Region of Aachen in Germany
The region of Aachen in Germany is the largest Euregio Meuse-Rhine member in terms of employees. It has 430,000 workers, compared to the province of Liège in Belgium with 305,000, the province of Limburg in Belgium with 266,000, the province of Limburg in the Netherlands with 201,000, and the German speaking community in Belgium with 27,000.
High-tech cluster
Jürgen Roters, President of Cologne and Chairman of the Region of Aachen
The region of Aachen in Germany is successfully channeling its workers from the former steel industry into new high-tech enterprises, particularly ICT and biotechnology. Technology transfer from educational institutes into enterprises is especially successful. As Jürgen Roters, President of Cologne and Chairman of the Region of Aachen, explains, “There is an explosion in high-tech companies, with schools offering huge educational opportunities in this field. Theory then changes into practical reality, because the theories developed in schools become reality in the companies. There is good cooperation between universities, schools and our companies.”
Roters encourages American investors to come to a region that is open to new developments, offering structured companies and support systems, as well as cooperation be-tween universities and the business world. He points out that the Euregio Meuse-Rhine – an alliance between three nations and five member provinces, speaking three different languages – has given its members experience in working with different nationalities.
“Euregio should be an example for the rest of the world,” explains Roters. “Businesses that come here have a lot of opportunities, and we have vast experience dealing with different mentalities. When you come here, you can settle with your company and your family. We have security, beautiful surroundings and many opportunities.”
The Aquis-Grana City Hotel
“Our hospitality is second to none.”
Hans Holland, General Manager Aquis-Grana City Hotel
The Aquis-Grana City Hotel has been a landmark in Aachen for more than 20 years. Its warm atmosphere and high quality business services attract guests from around the world, and the number of American visitors is increasing year-on-year.
Every comfortable guest room is equipped with Internet facilities, and there are also two superior apartments available, which have hosted VIP guests like the violinist Vanessa Mae. General Manager Hans Holland believes that the Aquis-Grana has become the city’s premier business hotel through its high levels of service, provided by friendly, multilingual staff. “Our staff will go out of their way to service guests’ needs,” he says. “We like to offer superior service in the heart of the city, and our hospitality is second to none.”
As well as comfortable rooms, the hotel has its own underground parking, restaurant, and six conference rooms. “We are also located in the center of the business district, enabling our guests to enjoy our facilities for lunch,” says Holland. He stresses that guests are able to consult the hotel staff on any issue, from directions to general information. “Consider us a friend, not just an establishment,” he says.
Holland describes Aachen as a historically and culturally rich city, with an excellent business climate. “This is a wonderful city with a wealth of opportunities, and superb establishments like the Aquis-Grana City Hotel that can service all your needs,” he says. “Come and experience our hospitality and learn what Aachen has to offer.”
