When doing business in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, a lot of small talk and the exchange of pleasantries are the order of the day. Only afterwards should business matters be discussed. In the Czech Republic, it can happen that Mrs Müller quickly becomes Mrs Müllerova.

If you‘re doing business in North Africa, remember the continent is a collection of individual countries, each with its own customs and culture. So it pays to do your homework.

JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.

AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.

BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.

INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.

Interview with Dr Söhnke Maatsch, Research Associate at the Institute for Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) and Head of the Maritime Intelligence competence area on the subject of hinterland traffic.

When doing business in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, a lot of small talk and the exchange of pleasantries are the order of the day. Only afterwards should business matters be discussed. In the Czech Republic, it can happen that Mrs Müller quickly becomes Mrs Müllerova.

If you‘re doing business in North Africa, remember the continent is a collection of individual countries, each with its own customs and culture. So it pays to do your homework.

JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.

AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.

BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.

INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.