About Bavaria

Bavaria's ideal geographical location and its role as a key hub of international trade affords quick and easy access to all European markets. Located in the very heart of the European Economic Area (EEA) with nearly half a billion consumers, companies based in Bavaria are ideally placed to access new EEA markets.

For centuries Bavaria has had close political and economic relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Particularly since the enlargement of the EU to the East, Bavaria has established itself as the node between East and West. The initiative "Virtual East-West Competence Network of Bavaria" (www.bavaria-cee.com) promotes further economic cooperation between Bavaria and its neighbors to the East

Bavaria's advanced infrastructure offers investors maximum mobility and flexibility. Be it rail, road, water or air - Bavaria guarantees the speediest possible transport of passengers and goods. Efficient, reliable data and information exchange is ensured by innovative, state-of-the-art information and communications technologies.

Only highly qualified and motivated staff with visions and commitment enable companies to produce top quality products and services of worldwide repute. Bavaria's excellent universities and its unique system of dual vocational training combining theory with on-the-job training for non-academic professions ensure maximum workforce competence.

11 universities, 17 universities of applied sciences, 11 Max Planck Institutes and 9 institutes of the Fraunhofer Society make Bavaria a world leader in research and development. It also hosts 3 of the 15 German Helmholtz research centers. Bavaria therefore offers the ideal set-up for the development of new technologies and innovative products and services, a reason for Bavaria's top ranking in German patent registrations.

Bavaria enjoys a leading position - nationally and internationally - in key technology sectors such as information and communications technology, biotechnology, energy and medical technology as well as satellite navigation. The state government's Cluster Initiative "Alliance Bavaria Innovative" promotes intensive networking of industry and academia and gives high-tech companies the opportunity to share know-how and develop innovative solutions.

Bavaria is the home of global players like Adidas, Audi, BMW, EADS, MAN or Siemens. About one third of the 30 companies listed in the DAX share index are based in Bavaria. In addition, there is a dense network of small and medium-sized industrial, trade and service companies throughout the state - thus providing a broad spectrum of innovative suppliers, customers and potential partners for investors.

Bavaria is Germany's favorite holiday and tourist destination and enjoys worldwide appeal. Its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and the proverbial Bavarian way of life attract even the most discriminating, sophisticated professionals and top professionals. Investing, working and living where others go on vacation - that is Bavaria.

"New products, new businesses, new markets" is the guiding principle of Bavaria's economic policy. State government and administration policies are dedicated to enterprise-friendly administrative procedures, especially for SMEs, attractive employment conditions and reliability in partnership with business to ensure Bavaria's global competitiveness.

Invest in Bavaria is the central, single-stop point of contact within the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs for all companies interested in setting up and expanding business units in Bavaria. Our team responds promptly to their specific information, advisory and support requirements.

Source: Invest in Bavaria (January 2009)