Major fairs in Dusseldorf are “DRUPA” (International Fair Printing and Paper), the International Trade Fair Plastics + Rubber, “INTERKAMA” (International Trade Fair for Measurement and Automation), “interpack” (International Fair for Packaging Machinery, Packaging and Confectionery Machinery) and “Igedo” (International Fashion Trade Fair), which takes place several times a year.

Outstanding fairs in Munich are “bauma” (International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery and Equipment and Building Material Machines), “ispo” (International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion) and the International Light Industries and Handicrafts Fair. Specialized fairs for the computer and electronic components industries are attracting increasing attention.

German unification has merged two quite different types of trade fair: the decentralized, specialized type organized in cooperation with business and industry in western Germany and the state-controlled type of the former GDR geared to Leipzig’s comprehensive fair. Leipzig has meanwhile developed a new concept focusing on specialized fairs and to this end has built a new exhibition complex, one of the most modern in Europe. Leipzig is banking on its experience in trade with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and aims to stimulate economic recovery there.