ASIA AND USA –
DÜSSELDORF’S INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS RELATIONS

Issue 04/2025

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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.

ASIA CONNECT

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.

STRONG PARTNERS

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.

Linda Liu

· Travelling the World in High Heels

· Linda Liu · Travelling the World in High Heels ·

Kunst Meets Henrietta Six

· Kunst Meets Henrietta Six ·

Why Düsseldorf

· Nicole Karuvallil

· Why Düsseldorf · Nicole Karuvallil ·

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CULTURE OF DIALOUGE

The state capital of Düsseldorf is twinned with eight other cities around the world. These partnerships are brought to life through various projects that encourage cultural and personal exchanges between its citizens.

FROM LOCAL ROOTS TO GLOBAL MARKETS

Taking steps towards internationalisation can present particular challenges for owner-managed and family-run companies. However, this can also present great opportunities. Here are two company stories.

MORE THAN DESKS

As part of the ‘New Work’ movement, coworking spaces have set out to revolutionise work. This article takes a look at an industry that has become professionalised, shedding light on how we want to work today.

FRESH IDEAS FROM DÜSSELDORF

Startup Week Düsseldorf plays a key part in the growing startup ecosystem in Düsseldorf. A wonderful anniversary was celebrated from 8 to 12 September 2025: for the 10th time, visionary founders, innovative minds and up-and-coming companies came together to shape the future. The official highlight was the Future Tech Fest, Germany's leading B2B start-up trade fair and conference. More than 5,000 people – ranging from industry leaders to lesser-known figures in the startup scene – gathered to share knowledge and conduct business. Among them were numerous startups from abroad, highlighting Düsseldorf's appeal as an international location. These three “fresh ideas” exemplify the diversity of the local start-up ecosystem: Make way for Aitonomi, promptmeplease.ai and DNTOX!

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RESEARCH WITHOUT BORDERS

In a world where major crises and challenges have global origins, it is also necessary to adopt an international perspective in order to develop the right solutions. Cross-border research at universities plays a key role in this. What projects are Düsseldorf's universities focusing on?

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THIS IS OBERBILK

Located immediately behind the main railway station, Oberbilk is a district that embodies the transition from industry to services and creative industries more than any other area in Düsseldorf. Where iron and steelworks once dominated, residential areas, small businesses, and a vibrant mix of industries now prevail. The historic centre of the district is Oberbilker Markt. The Kölner Straße shopping district is lined with Turkish supermarkets, Persian bakeries and African hairdressing salons. Multicultural diversity is part of everyday life here, as reflected in the simple yet authentic culinary scene. Around the Haus der Wirtschaft, street names commemorate Düsseldorf's twin towns, and street art in underpasses and on façades showcases the district's creativity. Oberbilk also has a green oasis in the form of the 70-hectare Südpark, which invites visitors to take a stroll and relax. Despite all the changes, the district has retained its rough charm. Oberbilk is dense and colourful, and continues to be a neighbourhood on the rise.