Cologne, in German “Köln”, is the fourth largest city of Germany. Situated in the west of the country, it is the largest city of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Cologne was built on the left bank of the river Rhine. Its strategic location, at the intersection of the River Rhine with one of the major trade routes between eastern and western Europe, has been the cornerstone of Cologne's commercial importance. Up until now, Cologne has been one of Germany’s leading cities: economically, culturally as well as politically.
Useful facts:
- Size: 405 km2
- Number of citizens: 965,954
- Languages: the official language is German, but most people there speak fluent English.
The skyline of Cologne is dominated by the Dom, the tall gothic cathedral. In addition, tourists like the city because of its rich cultural heritage and dazzling nightlife.
Business guide for the Chinese
Over the past decade, Cologne has developed from a classical industrial centre into the most modern services centre in western Germany. Cologne is known for its media institutions, trade fairs and diversified industrial activities.
- Labour force: 500,000
- Key sectors: communications, insurance, chemicals, car assembly and electro-engineering
- Main knowledge centres: Research Centre KFA, and numerous research institutes of the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Cologne has a lot to offer foreign investors. One of its big assets is its highly modernized and innovative industrial infrastructure. In addition, it offers a vast expertise and know-how thanks to the close proximity of the University of Cologne, well-known for its economics faculty.
Cologne has also benefited from its strategic geographic location: over 40% of the European Union’s gross domestic product is generated within a radius of 300 km.
- Business events: Cologne offers numerous venues for exhibitions, conventions and trade fairs.
- Policy of subsidies: the City Council actively supports and encourages new companies that wish to establish a business in the city.
- Airport: Köln Bonn Airport
