The East German economy has gained from the point of view of the Federal Association of German industry (BDI) since the fall of the wall strong. “After the reunification, the gross domestic product amounted to per head a third of the West German level, today it is almost 75 percent,” said the Deputy managing Director of the BDI, Holger Lösch, prior to the start of the East-German economy forum. On the Forum in the Brandenburg town of Bad Saarow, representatives from business and politics for two days, want to discuss about the future prospects of the business location Eastern Germany.

“The Per capita income has more than doubled, the productivity increased by four times”, praised the deletion of the development since the turn. Above-average successes in the Infrastructure, in the quality of living and environmental protection. East Germany will develop, therefore, in the opinion of economy Minister Peter Altmaier, a strong industrial region. The CDU-politician hopes for this, but on continued strong support from EU funds.

“A successful industrialisation in East Germany can only succeed in cooperation and with the support of the EU,” said the Federal Minister for economic Affairs. “I am, therefore, for the receipt of EU structural funds for the new Federal States in the next funding period starting in 2021 a.” The primary objective was to create sustainable jobs in the new countries. This should be achieved through the promotion of entrepreneurial investments, the Expansion of infrastructure and settlement of Federal and research institutions.

Pessimistic Economists

From Altmaiers point of view has developed in East Germany is already a strong Mittelstand with a lot of internationally competitive companies and innovative centers. “I think it’s important that we strengthen the industrial middle class,” said the CDU politician. For example through reduced bureaucracy, a relief in the corporate income tax, the solos or the energy prices.

In contrast to the Federal Minister of the economy, a majority of Economists, 30 years after the fall of the Berlin wall no longer believes that Eastern Germany can still catch up economically to the West. The determined by the Munich-based ifo Institute last. As reasons, the Economists called the migration of skilled workers, a shortage of jobs, the destruction of industrial networks, with different productivity, as well as a few industrial settlements and company headquarters in the East. It would add more early school leavers than in the West, less research and development, lack of export orientation, as well as a wrong economic policy after 1990.

the industry Association BDI said that the economic catching-up process is stagnating currently. “This is partly due to the more fragmented structure of the economy, and the Lack of large companies and corporate offices, and between the Baltic sea and the Erzgebirge, which is due to the long division”, so delete. In view of the shortage of skilled personnel training should be intensified. The East should be for immigration more attractive: “Open or latent xenophobia is all over the regions a disservice.”