Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs)

Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs)

In Germany there are 80 chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs) with the Association of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) as their umbrella organisation. The IHKs are self-administrating bodies incorporated under public law. Their functions are defined by law. The Chambers’ organisation along regional lines throughout the whole of Germany means they are able to focus attention on the specific interest of their respective regions. They enjoy complete independence as regards personnel, finance and organisation.

(Bibliography: Frentzel-Jäkel-Junge: Industrie- und Handelskammergesetz, 7th edition, Cologne 2009; Jäkel-Junge: Industrie- und Handelstag, 3rd edition, Düsseldorf, 1986; Bremer: Kammerrecht der Wirtschaft, Berlin 1960; Berufsbildung, Weiterbildung, Bildungspolitik (Vocational education, further training, education policy): DIHK series)