In strong contrast to the general opinion, to companies operating abroad the general conditions for doing business in the respective host country are of minor importance. Only 16 percent (mostly major companies) consider this to be a key parameter for economic success.
The only exception are the chemical and plastics industries, fields in which 23 percent of those questioned consider this parameter to be important. Most companies think that in order to be successful in doing business abroad the factors to bear in mind are excellent product quality, a good preparation of the mission abroad, the search for adequate business partners, good knowledge of the market, systematic selection of staff on the ground and an elaborate business model.
The above findings are contained in the nationwide Going International 2006 survey by the Association of German chambers of commerce and is available for free-of-charge download. 