There are three key success factors for a business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium – some respect, history and English. It is equally important to differentiate and to remember there is no umbrella approach to the Dutch or Belgians.

Large European ports receive the widest range of shipped goods in containers, which are subsequently transported inland in Germany or other EU countries. However, it is not just goods like tablets, frozen pizza, jeans, auto parts and machine tools that are shipped. “The increase in the flow of goods to Europe has brought an increase in illegal goods being imported by sea. Drug smuggling is a particularly significant concern here,” says Yvonne Schamber, spokeswoman of the German Customs Administration.

As the crow flies, the two capitals Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are less than 800 kilometres apart. But in many senses, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are two separate worlds. This is also reflected in how people do business.

Horses are highly valued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – they are considered a true status symbol, making them popular as financial investments and as gifts for guests. Some Emirati horses could even stem from Bremen logistics company owner, Tim Oltmann, in future.

When taking a business trip to Singapore, you can expect an exciting melting pot of nationalities to accompany the international, state-of-the-art business sphere. This diversity is particularly challenging to navigate when finding a formula for success in dealings with business partners. One endeavour is paramount, however: mastering the fine balancing act between confidence and etiquette.

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.

Humour, a cool composure and tolerant attitude – and ditching any rigid negotiating strategies and principles – is the trusted formula for business travellers during their next UK meeting.

There are three key success factors for a business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium – some respect, history and English. It is equally important to differentiate and to remember there is no umbrella approach to the Dutch or Belgians.

Large European ports receive the widest range of shipped goods in containers, which are subsequently transported inland in Germany or other EU countries. However, it is not just goods like tablets, frozen pizza, jeans, auto parts and machine tools that are shipped. “The increase in the flow of goods to Europe has brought an increase in illegal goods being imported by sea. Drug smuggling is a particularly significant concern here,” says Yvonne Schamber, spokeswoman of the German Customs Administration.

As the crow flies, the two capitals Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are less than 800 kilometres apart. But in many senses, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are two separate worlds. This is also reflected in how people do business.

Horses are highly valued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – they are considered a true status symbol, making them popular as financial investments and as gifts for guests. Some Emirati horses could even stem from Bremen logistics company owner, Tim Oltmann, in future.

When taking a business trip to Singapore, you can expect an exciting melting pot of nationalities to accompany the international, state-of-the-art business sphere. This diversity is particularly challenging to navigate when finding a formula for success in dealings with business partners. One endeavour is paramount, however: mastering the fine balancing act between confidence and etiquette.

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.