China

Hamburg's connection to China

Trade relations between Hamburg and China date back to the 18th century. Today, around 40 per cent of Germany's foreign trade with the People's Republic of China is handled via the Port of Hamburg, making the port the most important hub for the movement of goods. For all European foreign trade with China, this share is around 20 per cent, as Hamburg is the central logistics hub of northern Europe and forwards many goods in transit. Over 500 Chinese companies are represented in Hamburg, while around 750 Hamburg companies are active in China. They act as important bridge builders in the bilateral trade and industrial networks. Hamburg's business activities in China are primarily focussed on logistics, trade, transport and the maritime industry.

the city has been twinned with Shanghai since 1986, promoting regular co-operation in many areas, including civil society actors. There are numerous joint projects and exchange programmes between Hamburg and Chinese educational institutions, many of which have existed for decades.

HamburgAmbassador Marlis Rötting

Marlis Rötting has been professionally active in China for over 30 years. She has worked for several large German companies, was a long-standing board member of the German Chamber of Commerce and played a key role in founding the first building society in China.

With the foundation of her own trading company, she is also active in China beyond the retirement age.

Expertise for Hamburg

Two women smiling and holding glasses of water at a bar counter in a social setting. — HamburgAmbassador Marlis Rötting with her counterpart Christine Ehrat

Marlis Rötting has been a Hamburg Ambassador from the very beginning; she was appointed by the First Mayor of the Hanseatic city in 2005. She uses the network she has built up over the years to further deepen relations between Hamburg and China. In economically difficult times, she sees many opportunities for co-operation, particularly in the cultural sector.