For mid-sized suppliers in particular, the setting up of an own production outlet in the vicinity of the final product manufacturer became a question of survival: They had to follow their big customers abroad.

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We also create income there that would spur demand for German products. And we integrate central and eastern Europe much more strongly in German economic developments than any other European country can and does.

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Central and eastern Europe -- I'll underline it again -- is a curse and blessing at the same time.

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