Ernst & Young: Germany Ranked a Top Global Investment Location

Berlin (ots) - Germany receives top marks as an investment
location in the eyes of international managers. This is the result of
a new study on the attractiveness of European markets published by
Ernst & Young. According to the survey, Germany reaffirmed its
position as the most attractive investment location in Europe and
improved in the global rankings to become one of the top five
locations worldwide.

This year's Ernst & Young study surveyed 814 international
decision-makers on the attractiveness of the European economic area.
An additional 205 foreign companies were asked questions specific to
Germany as a business location. 38 percent of those surveyed
indicated an increase in Germany's attractiveness in 2009, despite
the effects of the economic downturn. At the same time, 54 percent
expect Germany to continue to increase in attractiveness over the
next three years. This marks a jump from 37 percent in the previous
year's study.

In international rankings, Germany surpasses Brazil to become the
fifth most attractive investment location. The rankings are led by
China, India, and the USA, followed by Russia and Germany. China
reconfirmed its position as the top location worldwide, while India
gained slightly to surpass the USA in this year's survey. Germany's
jump is remarkable in the context of overall European performance in
the survey. Despite a decrease in attractiveness of both Western and
Eastern Europe - the latter experiencing a sharper drop - Germany
strengthened its position.

In a wide range of business location factors, Germany receives top
marks. Managers awarded positive ratings to Germany's infrastructure
(including telecommunications and transport & logistics), qualified
workforce and research and development landscape. Germany's handling
of the economic crisis also receives positive ratings. 64 percent of
those surveyed praise Germany's policies for managing the downturn.
This marks an increase from 49 percent in the previous year's study.

Germany also showed strong indicators for the future. 40 percent
of companies surveyed plan to invest in Germany, an increase from 31
percent in the previous year. In response to the question "How do you
see Germany in the year 2020?" in which multiple responses were
possible, 36 percent indicated that Germany will be a global leader
in environmental technologies. A further 22 percent saw Germany as a
center for research and development and 21 percent indicated that
Germany will be a global model for a successful, entrepreneurial
society.

Michael Pfeiffer, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest:
"These survey results reflect Germany's ongoing attractiveness as a
top global business location. Despite a challenging year, Germany has
positioned itself as a stable investment environment. Driven by a
cutting-edge research landscape and exceptionally skilled workers,
Germany creates a wide range of opportunities for businesses."

Peter Englisch, Partner at Ernst & Young: "Germany has handled the
severe economic decline of the past year exceptionally well and earns
points with its high-quality product pallet, competitive pricing,
high global market share and strong position in terms of exports. In
light of the current global upswing, Germany can benefit with
above-average strength from these specific location advantages."

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment
promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization
advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities
in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

Originaltext: Germany Trade and Invest
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