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Editorial Gerhard Schröder, Chancellor Top Story The German Agenda Major Deal Blackstone Plucks a Plumb News from the Federal States Investment Wire FDI Special Private Equity Sets New Record in 2003 Innovation Report Think Small - Nanotechnology in Germany Spotlight Very Available German IT-Firms After Work Business Clubs in Germany Contact Imprint top Editorial Gerhard Schröder, Chancellor Germany is a country on the move. Our Agenda 2010 reform program is making our economy fit for the future. We are removing barriers to investment, reducing bureaucracy, making the labor market more flexible and investing in education, research and technology. At the same time we are cutting taxes and other non-wage labor costs for employers and employees alike. The base and peak tax rates have reached a historic low and will be reduced even further in 2005. The tax burden in Germany is among the lowest in Europe. We are thus providing strong incentives for growth and employment in our country. We are also strengthening Germany's position as one the world’s most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment. A modern and efficient infrastructure, exceptionally innovative companies and a highly qualified and motivated work force - these assets form the backbone of Germany as a business location at the center of an increasingly unified Europe. We are taking advantage of our opportunity for growth and employment. Take advantage of Invest in Germany’s offer to help you find out about your opportunities in our country. Welcome to Germany! Gerhard Schröder Chancellor top Top Story The German Agenda Last year German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced an ambitious structural reform plan called Agenda 2010. Its goal was nothing less than to "update" the German economy, to adapt it to twenty-first century realities. Those realities include rapid technological change, declining population growth and greater global competition. Dozens of new laws have already been introduced with far-reaching implications for the country's tax code, labor market and social welfare system. Many of the changes came into effect on January 1st of this year, and more are on the way. What follows is a summary of the main reform measures contained in Agenda 2010. Labor Market Reform Germany's mammoth employment office is being overhauled to create pro-active job centers. Companies with ten or fewer employees will be able to lay-off workers more easily. Social Welfare Reform Unemployment and welfare benefits are being merged. Welfare on the whole is being cut. The long-term unemployed will have their benefits reduced if they reject reasonable job offers.
Approximate Word count = 1612
Approximate Pages = 6.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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