Dhe Hessian economy continues to recover from the consequences of the corona pandemic: At least that’s what the latest economic survey by the Hessian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HIHK) shows, which is based on the answers of around 2,700 Hessian companies. Overall, the current business situation is described as good by 39 percent of all Hessian companies surveyed. 46 percent are satisfied, 15 percent rate them as bad. At 115 points, the IHK business climate index is again above the pre-crisis level of 109 points for the first time.
“Hessen’s economy is rolling up its sleeves. The mood is improving in all sectors, ”said Robert Lippmann, Managing Director of the HIHK. She is particularly good in the finance and insurance industry, in industry and with service providers. Investment and employment intentions also improved to a large extent. Even in industries that were hit particularly hard by the pandemic, the economy is increasing significantly, for example in the hospitality industry. According to the chamber association, this is mainly due to the elimination of corona restrictions and cautious optimism.
With a view to the risks to further economic development, every second company in Hesse mentions the economic policy framework, the shortage of skilled workers and the prices of energy and raw materials. “The Hessian companies are looking forward to the coalition negotiations in the federal government,” said Lippmann. Although it looks as if a higher tax burden has been averted for the time being. But that is not enough for impulses.
Risk of skills shortage
“The companies expect noticeable relief and thus scope for investments, for example in sustainability and digitization.” With regard to climate policy, it remains to be seen how the projects outlined so far can be reconciled with international competitiveness, said Lippmann. With the recovery of the economy, the shortage of skilled workers becomes acute – especially in construction, in the hospitality industry and in transport logistics. In addition, energy prices in Germany reached “worrying highs”. The future federal government must quickly provide noticeable relief here.
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