Germany wants to work more closely with Latin America. The planned Offensive shows, however, that for far too long, Germany has neglected the Region.
Watch the Video
05:32
Share
Latin America initiative
Send
google+
Tumblr
VZ
Newsvine
Digg
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/3JKoK
Latin America and Caribbean initiative: kick-off for renewed relations
Andreas Renschler is not a man who talks big about the Bush. Perhaps the Chairman of the Latin America Committee of German economy is, therefore, exactly the Correct in order to describe the Status quo of the German-Latin American economic relations. The VW Manager selects on the Latin America conference in Berlin, to come to the 20 foreign Ministers of the Region, significant words were: “The German economy is about to lose the connection. Our involvement in the Region? The answer is: ‘no!’” Or expressed in Figures: with Only 2.6 per cent of German exports go to Latin America.
The commitment of Germany from the Argentinian Tierra del Fuego in the South of Latin America up to the Mexican Tijuana in the North to be seen, for example, which is also observed in Germany itself for some years to the life of the substance, and to Rest on the laurels, and a little courage for innovation. “Made in Germany” still has a good sound, but threatens to overslept the development in the global competition, while the competition is in fine fettle, especially from the far East.
“Stronger commitment asked,” Andreas Renschler
“China has paid in the last ten years, more than 75 billion euros of direct investment in Latin America, plus loans of 150 billion euros,” says Andreas Renschler Numbers. Germany schenke, however, Latin America, far too little attention. “We urgently need a long-term strategy, together with the policy. And please, no flash in the pan!”, the German Manager calls.
China pushes into the vacuum, the Germany has left
Heiko Maas seems to have understood this. “Latin America is far too long from our point of view,” admits the German foreign Minister. A month ago, Maas, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, visited, now he wants to bring the long-neglected relationships in the swing. In an interview with DW, Maas says: “I also believe that, in the meantime, one or the other is noticed that the Chinese commitment, the financing of infrastructure projects, for example, is also often used to increase the political influence. That’s not for everybody.” Many were looking for Alternatives and wanted out of Europe, more offers will come, so Maas.
The restart of the relations to the economy, so that Germany “came back to its historical place in the Region, Robert”, as expressed by the Argentine foreign Minister, Jorge Faurie? That Germany finally picks up a fight with China in Latin America, as Joe Kaeser, CEO of Siemens, calls vehemently (“The best Team should win! This is a competition!”)? And that Germany has still the advantage to stand for “decent work”, as Alicia Bárcena of the economic praises Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean?
Heiko Maas also wants to press for the political relations with Latin America on the Reset button. Therefore, the decision-making, “Latin America and the Caribbean is higher on the Agenda of German foreign policy.”
Maas relies on multilateralism
The statement of the German foreign Minister, is simple: Together, Europe and Latin America are present in 62 countries and a billion people. So quite a factor in international politics, especially against the Background that Germany is since April for two years a member of the security Council of the United Nations and on issues such as human rights, Migration and climate protection to the fore want.
“Latin America is a neighbor and natural ally” – the German foreign Minister, Heiko Maas
“In a world in which the law of the jungle replaces the strength of the Law, can Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean States are losing only”, refers to Maas to the aggressive foreign policy of China, the USA and Russia. Europe and Latin America, however, had powers no super: “For us, If we want to have a say, we need allies!”
German entrepreneurs cautiously optimistic
Deutsche Latin America-Offensive pushes but also on the need to counter the love? Germany’s entrepreneurs are convinced that Heiko Maas is pushing at an open doors. “All the foreign Ministers, with whom I have spoken, find it quite excellent that you finally get the attention worthy of their Region,” says Bodo Liesenfeld.
“The Region needs to increase productivity” – Bodo Liesenfeld
The Chairman of the Board from the Latin America Association criticized at the same time, the image that many have in Germany still from Latin America: “In the minds of many people, the continent is still wrongly considered to be difficult and risky.”
A risk that has not spared China in the past decade – be it in the construction of oil Refineries, mining, or water power plants. Especially in Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador, China has expanded its influence rapidly in many countries is now the most important trading partner.
“Latin America is culturally close” – Reinhold Festge
“In China, too, is not all Gold that glitters”, by contrast, holds Reinhold Festge, Chairman of the German Latin America Initiative of the German economy. Germany, in particular, can proliferate with the pound, also human rights and environmental standards. “And then we provide the training. On the territory of which the Chinese are Determined much more cautious,” says.
Latin America needs to pull together
However, it is clear that Germany and the European Union have to allow the many words to deeds. “A free trade agreement between the Mercosur and the European Union would be an important sign,” explains Oliver Read, Professor of International relations at the University of Sao Paulo. The negotiations, therefore, will be unsuccessful since two decades now.
“Latin America is at a crossroads” – Oliver Read
The Initiative of Germany and the European Union show in Latin America, how important it is for the countries of Latin America to pull together, so Read. “The big mistake in the past few years, was always to think in the short term, and to consider what issues the Region as a whole to address.” Only if Latin America and the Caribbean, held together, one could assert itself geopolitically against the United States or China. The conclusion of the Latin America-experts: “We have seen between 1995 and 2010 where positive growth in inequality has been reduced. The economic relations with Europe can help to stabilize the Region.”