Vancouver, BC – May 14, 2024 – The Atlantik-Brücke hosts a series of conferences on economic and foreign policy topics. High-ranking representatives from the German and American business, politics, science, media, and military sectors participate in these events. This year, at the German-Canadian Conference in Berlin, there were some familiar faces, at least to Canadians. One of them was the H.E. John Horgan, now the Ambassador of Canada to Germany, and the other was Sabina Sparwasser, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Canada.
They were both VIP guests at the opening reception at the Official Residence of the Embassy of Canada on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. Before this, Horgan served as the 36th premier of British Columbia and also as the leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party in the westernmost province of Canada. Sabina Sparwasser recently retired from the diplomatic service, after serving in Ottawa since 2017. On April 10, 2024, Senator Omidvar gave a statement recognizing the remarkable tenure of the German Ambassador to Canada.
The German-Canadian Conference kicked off Sunday, May 12 with a cultural activity in Berlin, followed by an opening reception at the Residence of the Canadian Ambassador. On Monday, May 13, the Canadian Embassy opens its doors to welcome guests and speakers for an all-day conference. Topics discussed include the threat of growing right-wing activism to democracy in both countries, German-Canadian efforts towards a net-zero future, and the challenges to compete as industry and investment hubs amid an evolving global economy.
Another familiar face was Yvonne Denz, President & Ceo of the German Canadian Chamber of Commerce (AHK or CGCIC), who was the moderator during the discussion of “Competing for Investments and Talent: Industry Challenges in Canada and Germany”. Yvonne Denz studied economics in Marburg, Fribourg (Switzerland), and Berlin. She has extensive hands-on professional experience in international markets and a strong background in foreign trade promotion. During her career in Canada, she developed a deep understanding of the Canadian economy and of German Canadian trade relations. She reports on emerging trends and topics which are relevant to industry in both countries, and advises German businesses in all sectors that are currently operating, or wish to start operating, in Canada.
In addition the conference explored how the rise of AI amplifies foreign election interference and how Canada and Germany can adapt to new geopolitical realities. Following the panel discussions, participants were invited to join a dinner reception at “Internationaler Club” at the Federal Foreign Office in the evening. On Tuesday, May 14, the conference concluded at noon after a site visit to one of their Berlin-based corporate members, Bayer.
I am writing this article at around 2 pm, so it is already 11 pm in Berlin and the conference is already over until 2025!
With its founding in 1952, the Atlantik-Brücke has anchored the Federal Republic within Western institutions and in partnership with North America – for a strong democracy, global stability, and economic growth. Over the past decades, the Atlantik-Brücke has evolved into a broad transatlantic professional network that promotes cooperation between Germany, Europe, and North America across industry and party boundaries.
As a non-profit organization with members from politics, business, science, media, and culture from both sides of the Atlantic, they are always striving to renew their founding premise in view of the modern economy, geopolitical circumstances, and developments in transatlantic relations. Their annual program includes events ranging from high-level public conferences to seminars and delegation trips, as well as strategy sessions and expert roundtables. Membership is by invitation only.
In 1986, Atlantik-Brücke expanded its transatlantic activities to include Canada. Since then, German-Canadian conferences have been organized annually, alternating between Germany and Canada. Current issues in foreign, economic and security policy are on the agenda, in addition to bilateral questions of mutual interest vis-à-vis the United States.
In April 2024, Elke Porter started the “Westcoast International Virtual Business Club” (WIVBC) to also build a bridge between German-speaking business organizations, international entrepreneurs and students from around the globe. There are many combined projects that Canada and Germany are working on, and Porter hopes to provide some extra publicity for all of them. Their next monthly meeting on Zoom includes a discussion on how to build trade fair engagement in Germany:
🌟 Get ready for an enlightening experience at the next meeting of the Westcoast International Virtual Business Club 🌍 to be held June 11, 2024 at 10 am Vancouver time, 1 pm Toronto/New York time and at 7 pm in Berlin or Zurich.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of mastering trade fair engagement in Germany. 🎪 Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just dipping your toes into international business, this session is tailor-made to elevate your skills to the next level. 💼
Learn from industry experts and gain invaluable insights into the German trade fair landscape. 🇩🇪 Discover the dos and don’ts, insider tips, and strategies for making the most out of your trade fair experience. 💡
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your business horizons and network with like-minded entrepreneurs! Mark your calendars and secure your spot now. See you there! 📅 #TradeFairMastery #InternationalBusiness #WIVBCMeeting
They are also looking for representatives who are running trade fairs (Messe) in Germany to be a part of the meeting to introduce their trade fair in person and allow for some questions and answers. Contact Elke Porter at 1 604 828 8788 through WhatsApp or virtually on Zoom. She is looking forward to meeting you!
Get your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/904461668197?aff=oddtdtcreator
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