American Executives Praise German Business Environment AmCham Business Barometer 2011

Berlin (ots) - American business executives ranked Germany the top
business location in Europe for the third year in a row. For 2011, 87
percent of top American companies in Germany expect revenue growth
and over half plan to hire new workers. Germany's rapid rebound from
the global economic crisis was named as a key to business success.
These are the results of this year's AmCham Business Barometer
released today by AmCham Germany and the Boston Consulting Group.

"We are honored that American executives continue to praise
Germany. American companies have a long tradition here and their
ability to succeed confirms Germany's attractiveness as the top
business location in Europe," states Dr. Jürgen Friedrich, Chief
Executive of Germany Trade & Invest.

For the first time, this year's study also measures Germany's
standing on a global scale. Germany ranked second worldwide behind
China as the most important investment location. However Germany was
named in the top 3 more than any other country. Cited by over 60
percent of executives, Germany fares considerably better than other
Western European countries and slightly ahead of Eastern Europe.

Most companies were pleasantly surprised with their performance in
Germany in 2010. While an impressive 76 percent expected to increase
revenue in 2010, this mark was surpassed. 82 percent saw their
revenue streams grow.

When asked about future activities in Germany, more than one third
plan to increase research and development. The country's highly
qualified workforce and excellent R&D framework were cited as
distinct advantages. At the same time, one fifth of companies seek to
increase production in Germany. Here executives confirm the quality
of German products and productivity of German manufacturing plants.

While total investments are expected to remain constant in 2011,
over half of the companies surveyed plan to employ more workers, a
jump of 15 percent compared to last year. This figure could be even
higher, but survey participants gave a first indication that a
shortage of skilled labor could play a role in 2011. On the other
hand, they credit the increased productivity of German workers in
recent years and praised the government's short-time work program
during the crisis.

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.

Pressekontakt:
Germany Trade & Invest
Andreas Bilfinger
Email: andreas.bilfinger@gtai.com
T: +49(0)30 200099-173
F: +49(0)30 200099-111