The Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce of the State of Hesse (HIHK) has presented a demands paper on the occasion of the 2025 federal elections, which advocates reforms and relief in favour of companies. The focus is on reducing bureaucracy, international competitiveness and future-orientated infrastructure.
Reducing bureaucracy and promoting innovation
The Hessian economy is suffering from growing bureaucracy. According to the HIHK, complex regulations not only hinder investment, but also place a particular burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To change this, the association is calling for simpler approval procedures and practical support programmes, among other things. A nationwide expansion of so-called real-world laboratories should also strengthen innovation and promote technology transfer between science and industry.
Tax policy: less burden, more efficiency
In the area of taxation, the HIHK is pushing for a reduction in corporate taxation to an internationally competitive level. A central concern is the avoidance of so-called ‘cold progression’. In addition, trade tax should be reformed and full loss compensation should be made possible in order to increase companies’ resilience to crises.
Energy and infrastructure
Rising energy prices and inadequate grid infrastructure are putting pressure on companies. The HIHK is calling for grid fees to be reduced, electricity tax to be lowered to the European minimum and the expansion of renewable energies and charging infrastructure to be accelerated. At the same time, the transport infrastructure in Hesse needs to be modernised.
International trade and the financial centre Frankfurt
Open markets and more resilient supply chains are at the centre of foreign trade demands. The HIHK calls for a pragmatic implementation of EU regulations on due diligence obligations in supply chains in order to avoid additional bureaucracy. For Frankfurt as a financial centre, the association advocates moderate regulation and the avoidance of a financial transaction tax.
Labour market and shortage of skilled workers
In view of the shortage of skilled workers, the HIHK is focusing on making the labour market more flexible, speeding up immigration procedures and improving the work-life balance. It is also calling for a future-oriented education reform that focuses on digital skills and professional orientation.
The HIHK sees its demands as a clear signal to the federal government to fundamentally revise the economic policy framework. The association warns that without tangible relief and reforms, Germany risks falling further behind its international competitors. The implementation of these measures is crucial in order to secure Hesse and Germany as a business location in the long term.
Bundestag election 2025 HIHK - Receivables
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