commerce germany interviewed Christian von Sydow, AmCham Germany's Bavaria Regional Committee Co-Chair, about one of the strongest economies of any Germany city and the cultural bounty that make the capital of Bavaria a European Gem attracting tourists and business visitors alike.

What attractions does Munich offer business visitors?  

Munich offers an outstanding quality of life and the world rankings prove it. Why is the city so great? Well, for starters, Munich is green. The English Garden and the river Isar provide ample space for relaxing and playing sports. And lush beer gardens abound in a city famous for its liquid ebullience. Of course, Munich is also cultured. As an internationally acclaimed art mecca, the city offers intellectual inspiration on nearly every street corner, not to mention the dozens of art museums spread throughout the city. Finally, Munich means business. All year long, some of the world’s top trade fairs and congresses are held at the Messe München, and the city’s hotels, restaurants and venues offer the perfect platform for these trade-fair visitors.

Could you give our readers an insider tip on how to best experience Munich?

To understand the city, you should explore it on foot. Get a feel for it and absorb its rhythm; walk through the pedestrian zones at Theatinerstrasse, Weinstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse. Visit a beer garden and sample the traditional way of life. Sit on the steps at Odeonsplatz, drink a coffee and watch the people crossing the square. Enjoy an opera at the Nationaltheater and explore the local gastronomy. For a traditional Bavarian meal, try the Spatenhaus (Residenzstr. 12). Lovers of French cuisine will take pleasure in Bistro Kull (Marienstr. 4). Finally, take your night cap at Schuhmann’s (Odeonsplatz 6-7).

Why do so many international companies choose Munich?

Munich is one of the world’s leading high-tech regions, a place where openness and tolerance prevail. It has charm, flair and diversity as well as a highly qualified labor pool. Drawing on a healthy mix of industries in the areas of finance, car manufacturing, aerospace, bio tech, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, Munich generates a hub of knowledge and creativity. Complementing these industries are an excellent infrastructure and a string of topnotch universities. Moreover, Munich’s versatile service industries support companies that do business here: banking, consulting, law, accountancy, IT services and patent services. And not to forget, on weekends the alpine wilderness is right next door.

What are your future goals for the AmCham Germany Bavaria Chapter?

We want to make the AmCham Germany Bavaria chapter a vibrant platform for people interested in our business life. We particularly want to network with those interested in both Germany and the United States as business locations. We want to meet, get to know and build relationships of trust with business partners. With this in mind, we want to enrich and foster successful entrepreneurs of all kinds in Bavaria.

CONTACT

Christian von Sydow

Bavaria Regional Committee Co-Chair

McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP

E  csydow(at)europe.mwe.com

W www.mwe.com