2012 Annual Economic Report
On 18 January 2012 the Federal Cabinet adopted the Federal Government's 2012 Annual Economic Report. In its annual projection for 2012, the Federal Government expects gross domestic product to grow by 0.7 percent in real terms. more
General economic policy
Germany's economy is currently experiencing a powerful upswing. Economic policy-makers now face the challenge of strengthening the long-term potential for growth. This must include decisive and credible fiscal consolidation policies that also open up the financial leeway to provide tax relief to citizens and businesses. more
Initiative for SMEs
In its new initiative for SMEs entitled "Building on SMEs: greater responsibility, greater freedom", the Economics Ministry has identified seven priority areas that are crucial for the commercial success of small businesses. more
Industrial policy
Because of its horizontal orientation, industrial policy must feed into nearly every realm of policymaking in order to prevent excessive or unjustified barriers to economic activity that exist in other countries, especially countries outside the EU. more
Vocational policy
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology wants to provide a clear and transparent framework for vocational training programmes in order to encourage more companies to hire trainees, and in this way to ensure that German business can meet its demand for skilled workers over the long term. more
