Dittrich and Reiche open the International Crafts Fair

President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts Jörg Dittrich opened the International Crafts Fair and the Future of Skilled Crafts Congress together with Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche.

This year the International craft fair (IHM) in Munich under the motto "With skilled trades, we are shaping Germany's future". At the opening of the IHM and the congress event Future Crafts Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) emphasized that Germany is not only a land of poets and thinkers, but also of inventors and master craftsmen, journeymen and family businesses. "It is a land of those who create value every day with their head, heart and hand," said Reiche. She added that skilled trades are a pillar of the economy.

Over 70 percent of craft businesses are sole proprietorships that, unlike many large corporations, don't simply relocate their operations. "They invest when others hesitate. They train apprentices when others complain about a lack of skilled workers. They take risks to create prosperity. Politicians should be grateful that so many craft business owners invest in their businesses and provide employment." Reiche added: "We should thank them for that, but not constantly undermine them."

Wealthy people oppose wealth and inheritance taxes

When tax increases or additional bureaucratic hurdles are discussed in Berlin, it puts a strain on the life's work of entrepreneurs, their family assets, and their children's future prospects. Reiche promised to ensure that female master craftswomen who have children receive better support. She also wants to facilitate business transfers, which should not be thwarted by tax obstacles and excessive regulations. "That's why I will do everything in my power to prevent wealth and inheritance taxes," she said.

Reiche wants to place more trust in businesses and announced various measures to reduce bureaucracy. To achieve this, taxes and levies must be structured in such a way that performance pays off. "I reject an increase in the top income tax rate, which directly disadvantages your businesses." The federal government plans to lower non-wage labor costs and create flexibility so that new hires and training are rewarded, not penalized. She also announced a reform of working time law with more flexible regulations.

"Open spaces enable growth"

Previously, Jörg Dittrich, President of the Central Association of German Crafts, the importance of skilled trades in Germany. "Skilled trades actively shape the future, and a sustainable one at that," he said. "In skilled trades, we create lasting value. This is precisely where our self-image stems from." He added that in order for skilled trades businesses and their employees to contribute their full economic and social strength for the benefit of Germany, suitable conditions are needed to enable them to do so.

"To shape the future, we need freedom; this freedom enables growth. This applies to the skilled trades and must also be the guiding principle of government action." Anyone who wants to steer the German economy out of its slump while simultaneously keeping society cohesive must reduce burdens and create freedoms. "Not every eventuality requires new safeguards and documentation requirements. The crucial point is to set priorities so that employees and businesses gain time and energy for their core work. Therefore, we need decisive reforms that remove obstacles, eliminate inefficiencies, and acknowledge reality."

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!