Rösler meets with representatives of the electronics industry for a dialogue on growth
Joint press release by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI)
Dr. Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, met in Berlin today with the President, directors and board members of the ZVEI for the dialogue on growth in the electrical and electronics industry. The aim of the dialogue was to discuss the potential which exists in the innovative electrical and electronics industry and possible improvements to the environment in which the sector operates. The focus was on the energy reforms, increasing energy efficiency, electric mobility, the role of the industry in the health sector, and the environment for investment in Germany.
Minister Rösler commented: "The electrical and electronics industry is an important driving force for growth and jobs in Germany. It is one of the most innovative and research-intensive sectors of the economy, and it makes an important contribution to solving pressing societal and economic issues, such as the implementation of our energy reforms or the development of electric mobility. The electrical and electronics industry has a key role to play in the energy reforms, for example in the expansion of the grid or the boosting of energy efficiency. We will only achieve an affordable and secure energy supply if we continue to work together in future. The sector is also an important partner in the field of electric mobility. We are making progress in this field, but we still have a long way to travel. We will continue to maintain a close dialogue with the companies and business associations in the electrical and electronics industry on these vital issues for the future."
ZVEI President Friedhelm Loh said: "Germany's electrical and electronics industry needs a reliable long-term environment in which to operate. Energy policy in particular is economic policy, and requires a lengthy horizon."
Federal Minister Rösler and President Loh called for government and commerce to work together on smart grids, grid expansion, more energy efficiency, the expansion of mobile and high-speed internet, and the establishment of an efficient ICT infrastructure in the health sector. The representatives of the electrical and electronics industry called for better tax rules for investment in research and development and for support with regard to fair competition in world trade, especially in the field of key technologies.
It was agreed that the talks should be continued with the electrical and electronics industry, particularly at working level, in order to make progress on the problems in detail.
