Trade Minister Expresses Unconcern: 'Not Phased in the Least'
In an interview with the Funke media group's newspapers, the new president of the Federal Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), Anton Böerner, discussed the challenges faced by German businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
Böerner, who assumed his role at the BGA, did not specify which sectors he is particularly concerned about. However, he commended the crisis policy of the federal government, stating that the aid provided has been good. He believes that without state aid, there would be a catastrophe.
Böerner is optimistic about the future, predicting a return to normal life by Easter, with the last remnants of the crisis gone by summer. He credits this optimism to the state aid loans, which he does not expect to lead to a major wave of insolvencies.
However, not all sectors are faring equally well. The BGA-represented sectors particularly affected by the pandemic situation are the gastronomy, manufacturing industry (verarbeitendes Gewerbe), and construction main trades (Bauhauptgewerbe). The gastronomy sector, in particular, is struggling, with no usual summer revenue recovery and significant job losses. Small and micro enterprises, especially in gastronomy, have been forced to cut jobs.
On the other hand, other sectors such as construction-related trade and online retail are experiencing growth or a boom during the coronavirus crisis.
Böerner also expressed confidence in a coronavirus vaccine becoming available soon. He believes that the extension of short-time work until the end of 2021 will prevent major job losses. He emphasized the importance of showing that "everyone is included" in the crisis recovery efforts.
Despite the challenges, Böerner remains optimistic about the future, predicting the situation to normalize after the first quarter of 2021. He stated that the tools provided by the state are being used correctly, and he does not express concern about the coronavirus crisis for German companies.
The German economy is suffering in some sectors, but it varies from case to case, even within sectors. Böerner did not specify which sectors he is concerned about in this regard.
In conclusion, while the coronavirus crisis is causing hardships for some sectors in Germany, there is hope for a recovery in the near future, thanks to the aid provided by the state and the optimism of business leaders like Anton Böerner.
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