Washington, D.C. -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2010 -- Bringing opportunity and jobs into the greater Washington region from German businesses was the focus of a dialogue session held by the GermanAmericanBusinessForum (GABF) on January 27, 2010.

The moderated discussion, led by Peter H. Dehnen, president of the GABF, included members of the German-American business community, regional economic development organizations, and representatives from the German embassy and media.

“We can match industries, companies and suppliers” in the effort to bring business opportunity from Germany to the Washington region, said Mr. Dehnen, “but the real value comes when we can help a German CEO to understand the strengths of the Washington area and match him or her with a CEO who is already conducting business here.”

Participants discussed:
• Domestic U.S. economic development activities undertaken at the federal, state and county levels.
• Different strategic approaches to fostering interest in and the selection of the Washington region for inbound investment from Germany.
• Examples of German companies that began with modest investments (3-5 employees) and grew into much larger operations.

Participants also agreed to bring together CEOs of German companies from the Washington region at the GABF’s next session.

The GermanAmericanBusinessForum in Washington, D.C. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the bridge supporting U.S.-German business relations.