American Eyes Germany for Business Expansion

As Germany has struggled up out of the economic conditions of the last decade, America has been booming. Now American businessmen are turning an eye to Germany as an attractive opportunity to expand their various commercial activities. American businessman Jeremi Fedici spoke with the BAZ last week in the sumptuous lobby of the newly completed Adlon Hotel.

BAZ: What brings you to Berlin, Herr Fedici?
JDF: A bit of business and a bit of vacation time.

BAZ: What is your business in America?
JDF: I do business with banks, provide third-party protection to local citizens, and I also do shipping and receiving at ports along the East and West coast of the United States.

BAZ: We have quite a large American community here in Berlin. I think many Germans take their understanding of America from them: that all Americans are rich, violent, uneducated and arrogant. How would you like Germans to think of Americans?
JDF: Well that not all Americans are rich.

BAZ:  Is this your first trip abroad?
JDF: Not at all. I have visited many places around the world.

BAZ: What would make this a successful trip for you?
JDF: If I leave with a franchise, and more money than I arrived with.

BAZ: The German economy has been struggling through most of the last decade. The American economy has boomed over that same period. Do you see continued strength in the American markets? And if so, what opportunities should German firms be looking to exploit?
JDF: Markets in America are set to soar, and mostly I would say that German firms should exploit anything they can get their hands on exploiting. Autos, watches, precision manufacturing, etc.

BAZ: Germany was, unfairly many think, hamstrung by the conditions of the Versailles Treaty. Our manufacturing sector is only now beginning to recover, ten years later. The NSDAP is gaining politically by proposing to unilaterally abrogate the treaty. What is your opinion?
JDF: As long as another huge war is avoided, Germany can do anything it wants in my eyes.

BAZ: The sense among many Germans is that Americans do not consider European affairs as being of much importance to them. Would you say this is true?
JDF: Well being on another continent helps to stay away from having to deal with any of that.

BAZ: On a more personal level, what do you hope to see and do while you are in Germany?
JDF: I would like to see Berlin, and maybe Frankfurt. Perhaps catch up on movies and women. And of course, set up a business franchise here.

BAZ: Are German women different from American women?
JDF: Well fashion in America is of utmost importance to women there, and they are constantly coming out with more and more fashion lines and "latest and greatest" colors, etc.
BAZ: Are you saying German women are dowdy and not fashion conscious?
JDF: Absolutely not!

BAZ: You are traveling with your brother? So a family business?
JDF: Indeed it is.
BAZ: How is it you speak German so well? That is unusual for an American.
JDF: My Father taught me. He was an Italian-German-American.


BAZ: Thank you for spending some time with us. I wish you much success on your visit.
JDF: Thank you.