What is the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CGCIC)?
The Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CGCIC) is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting German and Canadian companies in international trade for over 50 years. As a member of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad, CGCIC is recognized by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, acting as the official representative of German trade and industry in Canada. It is the primary contact for Canadian and German companies wishing to do business in each other's countries. CGCIC provides services – such as consulting, office solutions, and support in initiating business – as well as networking and education to help businesses thrive.
Three functions
At their worldwide locations, German Chambers of Commerce Abroad fulfill three core functions:
- Official Representative of German Industry: On behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, German Chambers of Commerce Abroad are the central players in German foreign trade promotion. They represent German business interests in their host countries. They inform about and promote Germany as a top business location. Through the AHKs, the German industry speaks locally with a voice that is perceptible to all players.
- Member organization: The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad see themselves as a central point of contact for companies with bilateral economic relations. At each location, interaction and communication with the members are one of the most important instruments for cooperation, exchange and innovation. Members benefit from numerous networking opportunities and an attractive network within the German Canadian community.
- Service provider: Under the service brand "DEInternational", German Chambers of Commerce Abroad offer companies from Germany and the host country services to support their foreign trade business activities. German Chambers of Commerce Abroad see themselves as highly specialized and competent service providers who offer practice-oriented services at fair conditions.
Close connections to Germany
In Germany, the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) are closely integrated into the network of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs). Together, IHKs and AHKs support German companies in establishing and expanding their business relations with foreign countries. The umbrella organization of the IHKs is the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin, which also coordinates and supports the worldwide German Chamber of Commerce Abroad network. German Chambers of Commerce Abroad also work closely with German trade associations and government agencies, such as ministries at both federal and state level. Based on a resolution of the German Bundestag, they are subsidized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
