Business and Economy

Leipzig has always been marked by the initiative, creative willpower, and pride of its citizens. In the 12th century, the world's first trade shows were held here at the intersection of Europe's major traffic routes. In 1839, Germany's first long-distance train travelled here between Leipzig and Dresden. Private initiative and private capital coming from Leipzig's citizens made this railway possible. Emerging companies and factories, and investments into traffic infrastructures, made Leipzig the pioneer of industrialisation in the 2nd half on the 19th century.

Today, too, initiative and creative willpower are a fertile soil for major investments and for attracting renowned business corporations to Leipzig, such as BMW, DHL, or amazon. Since the unification of Germany, investments worth 50 billion Euros have gone into the area. Highly qualified and motivated labour force, and a considerable innovative potential form the basis for the dynamic development. In addition to traditional industries such as electrical engineering and electronics, chemical industry, manufacturing of machines and machine tools, printing and publishing, more and more service corporations move into the Leipzig area.

The City of Leipzig places the strategic emphasis for economic development on clearly defined industries of the future. Under the slogan "Strengthening the Strengths", the following five clusters have been identified as particularly relevant for Leipzig and therefore enjoy special support and promotion:

• automotive and supplying industries
• media and telecommunications, IT
• health/ biotechnology/ medical engineering/ life sciences
• energy and environmental technologies
• interdisciplinary innovation and services