Lower Rhine hopes for economic recovery through new plans!

Lower Rhine hopes for economic recovery through new plans!

Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics, met today with the IHK leadership and entrepreneurs from the Lower Rhine to discuss the federal government's current economic policy. Loud Rundschau Duisburg The federal government aims to promote the economy with an extensive program that includes special funds, investment boosters and tax relief.

The Lower Rhine IHK, which represents around 70,000 member companies from industry, trade and services, is optimistic and is giving the new federal government a leap of faith. At the same time, companies on the Lower Rhine are demanding far-reaching changes in order to quickly solve pressing problems such as bureaucracy, high energy costs and a shortage of skilled workers.

Investment promotion and tax relief

A central element of the measures is a tax package worth billions that the federal cabinet has decided to stimulate the economy daily news reported. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil announced an “investment booster” that will allow companies to claim 30% of the purchase costs of new machines as tax credits from July 1st.

In addition, company cars can be credited for 75% tax in the first year, while the upper limit for subsidized electric cars is raised to 100,000 euros. The research allowance will also be expanded, with the cap on investment in research and development increasing from €10 million to €12 million. In order to provide companies with planning security, corporate income tax will be reduced from 15% to 10% in five steps from 2028.

The expected tax relief for companies is 2.5 billion euros this year and will rise to almost 12 billion euros by 2027. The average tax burden for companies is almost 30%, above the EU average. However, the planned measures still have to pass the Federal Council, as they also result in loss of revenue for states and municipalities.

Future prospects on the Lower Rhine

At the meeting, Rouenhoff promised to bring the IHK's concerns to Berlin and emphasized the need for an economic recovery. Securing steel production in Duisburg was also highlighted in the discussion. A European steel summit is to be brought to Duisburg to strengthen this important industry on the Ruhr.

The IHK leadership, especially Schaurte-Küppers, also emphasized the urgency of quick approval processes, cheaper energy and intact roads in order to increase investments in the Lower Rhine. The coalition agreement is intended to serve as a basis for the necessary changes and sets the course for economic recovery.