For many years a debate has been going on, not only in Germany, about the respective advantages of various business locations. I believe we should talk openly about our problems and shortcomings, weaknesses and mistakes. However, I am also astonished, time and again, by the enthusiasm and energy with which we put our country down and paint a black future. Has not the very debate about locations become a problem for Germany as a location?
Without confidence in one's own strength no individual and no country can shape its future. We have no grounds for self-satisfaction, but many grounds for self-confidence. Our history since the end of the war and since unification shows us that we can be proud of what we have achieved and that we can have confidence in our abilities.
This is true not least in the economic sphere:
– We have excellent skilled workers.
– Germany is the world's second-largest export nation. That is not exactly an indication of poor international competitiveness.
– The United States, Japan and Germany are the top three for high-tech products.
None of this comes naturally. It is all attributable to the work and motivation of the people in Germany. In order for all this to remain true, we must keep creating new preconditions. This we can do even in the age of globalization.
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