Düsseldorf is the most important location for foreign direct investment and start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia. In response to this high degree of internationality, Düsseldorf's Office of Economic Development has a multilingual team of experts from the International Business Service (IBS). VIVID spoke with IBS Director Annette Klerks about Asian and US companies in particular.

Düsseldorf is one of Europe's most important hubs for business with Asia. Historically, close ties with Japan began in the 1950s, followed later by China, Korea and, most recently, India as a dynamic growth market. Today, the city is a hub for international companies, an anchor point for skilled workers and a meeting place for cultures – from Japan Day to Indian cricket.

Even in politically turbulent times, North Rhine-Westphalia maintains strong ties with the USA. Diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between the two countries are at the heart of this relationship.