Ambiente 2014: Running Successfully
Published on : Monday, February 10, 2014
Ambiente continues on its successful course as it has opened its doors on February 7, 2014 at Messe Frankfurt. One of world’s leading trade fairs in top form: 4,724 exhibitors from 89 countries are presenting their new products and innovations Ambiente. As representative of the German government, Uwe Beckmeyer, Parliamentary Secretary of State of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, held the opening address.
Secretary of State Beckmeyer said: “Ambiente is a venue not only for commerce but also for cultural exchange. It was a good decision to ask Japan to be this year’s Partner Country of the fair. When different cultures interact, it not only provides enrichment on the intellectual plane but also promotes trade between the two nations. Japanese design is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. The culture and creative sector should not be underestimated as a factor for sustainable economic growth.”
The State of Hesse was represented by Tarek Al-Wazir, Hessian Minister of Economics, Energy, Transport and Regional Development. “For Hessian and German companies, Ambiente is a showcase where they can make presentations to the whole world – and, simultaneously, an excellent opportunity to make comparisons with international competitors”, said Al-Wazir.
Yoshihiko Isozaki, Deputy Minister at the Japanese Ministry for Economics, Trade and Industry (METI), represented this year’s Ambiente Partner Country, Japan. Councillor Markus Frank took part in the opening ceremony as the representative of the City of Frankfurt am Main.
Discussions about the current situation in the sector were also held with top managers and representatives of the exhibitors during the tour. Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, assessed the current economic climate as good. “Ambiente continues on its successful course and private consumption remains the economic driving force in Germany. Thus, the auguries for a successful fair are very good.”
According to the GfK Consumer Research Institute, the propensity to consume in Germany got off to a good start in the first weeks of 2014 with both income expectations and the propensity to purchase continuing on a high plane in February. The ifo Institute for Economic Research expects gross domestic product to increase by 1.9 percent in 2014.[1] The good business situation in Germany is playing a vital role in the improved economic climate in Europe and the recovery in the Euro zone continues at a moderate pace. Moreover, the ifo Institute sees signs for the recovery of the world economy over the coming months. However, great differences are to be expected in both cases depending on the region.
This year, 4,724 exhibitors from 89 nations (2013: 4,714 exhibitors, 81 countries[2]) are presenting their latest products, innovations and trends from the table, kitchen, household, giving and decorating, as well as home concepts and furnishing accessories segments, at the world’s leading trade fair for the consumer-goods industry. With 329,300 square metres (gross) (2013: 329,300 square metres (gross)[3]) – equivalent to an area of 46 soccer pitches – the Exhibition Centre is once again fully booked up. Moreover, Ambiente is distinguished by numerous events, promotional programmes for young people, trend shows and awards ceremonies. As a special highlight this year, Ambiente welcomes Japan as its Partner Country. With a comprehensive programme, the fair offers inspiration and information about lifestyles, creativity and design from the Land of the Rising Sun.
