The Federal Government offers such trips to support German companies in foreign trade and to develop relations between the countries. 

In best company
Amongst others, there were chairmen of the board or co-owners of such renowned companies as Siemens AG, Gebr. Knauf KG or Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. "It underlines the importance of HANSA-FLEX that we were selected for one of the coveted places in the delegation", explains Thomas Armerding. 

No virgin soil
The first HANSA-FLEX branch in South Africa was opened in 2001. By taking over a market companion, the team can look back on almost 40 years of experience on site. HANSA-FLEX currently has six branches, ten service vehicles and a workforce of around 90 employees in South Africa.

Impressive organisation
Reception with military honours in South Africa, business meeting with President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the German Chancellor, visit to a BMW plant and the university in Pretoria, onward flight to Angola, reception by the Angolan President, opening of the German-Angolan Business Forum, visit to the National Museum - and all this in just 72 hours.

Honest words
Through our colleagues on the ground, Mr Armerding was able to draw on first-hand experience when he shared his impressions of the economic and social challenges in the country at a roundtable discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and South Africa's President Ramaphosa. Both the Chancellor and the President then thanked him explicitly for his clear words and the open debate.

"Every minute was planned and provided valuable insights into two countries with great potential," concluded Thomas Armerding.