German Federal Chancellor

04/19/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Hannover Messe creates solutions for the challenges of the future

Hannover Messe is a "place for global dialogue on technological progress and economic opportunities", said Chancellor Merz in his opening speech.

Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

In his speech at the opening of Hannover Messe, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that Germany shares Brazil's interest in a "fundamental political order" in which one can rely on treaties and agreements and in which "we are able to solve global problems together". The two countries, he said, also have close economic ties. "Brazil is Germany's most important trading partner in South America", said Merz.

The motto of this year's Hannover Messe is "Think Tech Forward". The trade fair's focus is on technological progress and the digital transformation of the economy, including various applications of artificial intelligence. It is runs from 20 to 24 April 2026.

The most important points in brief:

  • Partner country Brazil: Federal Chancellor Merz said that Brazil is Germany's most important trading partner in South America. In 2024, German companies exported goods worth more than 13 billion euros to Brazil. "However, our economic relations will become even better and even closer in the coming years", emphasised the Federal Chancellor. The EU-MERCOSUR agreement will "make all participating economies stronger, more independent and more resilient".
  • Application of artificial intelligence: The Federal Chancellor said that AI plays a very important role in industrial applications in particular. AI, he remarked, will contribute to greater efficiency and productivity, the optimised use of resources and, above all, reduced costs. "It will strengthen the competitiveness of industrial production", said the Chancellor.
  • Security of supply in Germany: The Chancellor said that the German economy and citizens must be able to rely on the secure supply of key products such as diesel, petrol and aviation fuel. "One thing is clear to us: security of supply is a top priority for Germany", emphasised Chancellor Merz. He said that Germany is in "close dialogue with our European partners and all relevant authorities and is using all available instruments to ensure stability".

Read the transcript of the speech here (in German only):

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