IHK - Three letters that almost everyone has heard before. They represent the network of 79 chambers of commerce and industry. The IHKs are at home in the economy and in the regions. Here they are anchored and know what drives the economy. Together with their member companies, they take responsibility in their regions and help to improve the conditions for prosperity and growth.

Service provider for the economy

The IHKs promote local industry and provide them with a wide range of advisory services and tailor-made services. They accompany company founders, provide information on legal or tax issues and advise on expanding into international markets. At the same time, the IHKs are keeping an eye on trends and new topics.

Fulfillment of governmental tasks - in the service of companies

The IHKs, as public corporations, autonomously and independently fulfill over 50 tasks entrusted to them by the state. Best known is the commitment in and for the dual vocational training, with which young people start for professional life since generations.

Democratically legitimized representation of interests

The IHKs are more than a service provider. Its proximity to the regional economy makes it a sought-after contact for politics and administration: the IHKs bundle the diverse interests of their members and ensure a fair balance between the interests of various industries and companies. The IHKs are co-sponsored and democratically organized: the most important body is the plenary assembly. Every company - regardless of its size - has one vote in the election. As the mouthpiece of their companies, the IHKs actively contribute to the economic and social framework.

Life Principle Ownership

The actions of the IHKs are based on the self-conception as a self-responsible organization. The idea behind it: the economy can regulate many matters that affect it in a practical and non-bureaucratic way - and so relieve the state as well. The IHKs also bring people closer to entrepreneurial action. The guiding principle for their actions is and remains the honorable merchant. All commercial enterprises in Germany - with the exception of craft enterprises, liberal professions and agricultural enterprises - are members of an Chamber of Commerce and Industry.