WCR consortium partners

Industrie- und Handelskammer Mittlerer Niederrhein

Locations: Neuss and Mönchengladbach
Friedrichstraße 40, 41460 Neuss; Bismarckstraße 109, 41061 Mönchengladbach, www.mittlerer-niederrhein.ihk.de
Contact Person for businesses: Arnd Thierfelder, 02131 9268-545, arnd.thierfelder@mittlerer-niederrhein.ihk.de
Contact Person for international skilled workers: Marco Klares, 02131 9268-522, marco.klares@mittlerer-niederrhein.ihk.de
Languages spoken: German, Englisch, Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, Turkish

At the WCR, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for the Middle Lower Rhine …

… provides advice and support to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as international professionals. This covers a wide range of topics – from recruitment and entry into the country to integration into the labor market and the social aspects of life in Germany.

International skilled workers receive assistance with job searches, visa and credential recognition procedures, language preparation, and on-site social orientation. Companies receive advice on recruiting and integrating international employees, navigating the credential recognition and administrative processes, and addressing intercultural issues.

About the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for the Middle Lower Rhine

Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for the Middle Lower Rhine is the public-law representative body for the regional economy. It serves as a network, advocacy group, and service provider for businesses across numerous industries in its district, which includes the cities of Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, as well as the Rhine District of Neuss and the District of Viersen. The IHK represents the overall economic interests of approximately 80,000 member companies in the area, making it a central point of contact for regional economic matters.

Every company benefits from the IHK’s work – directly or indirectly, and often without even realizing it. When the IHK works to improve transportation links to the city center, it benefits everyone who has a business there. Everyone conducting business in the region benefits from the IHK’s expert assessments when difficult public investment decisions are made.

The IHK’s work also benefits anyone who, for example, hires an office management specialist or a digital and print media designer. This is because the IHK administers approximately 15,000 exams each year and ensures a solid education. Another area of responsibility is political advocacy: through dialogue with political decision-makers, the IHK pushes, for example, for low tax and levy burdens, the reduction of bureaucracy, and manageable environmental regulations.

In addition, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) offers a range of specific services, including consulting on starting a business, business management, training and continuing education, as well as assistance with exporting, innovation, and digitalization.

A central component of the IHK’s work is the volunteer involvement of entrepreneurs: More than 5,000 volunteers serve as examiners and participate in boards, committees, and networks to help shape the interests of the business community. Together with a team of around 140 full-time staff at the Krefeld, Mönchengladbach, and Neuss locations, this collaboration shapes the IHK’s profile and ensures a direct link between business practice and strategic direction.

Every IHK member – whether a large corporation, a small retailer, or a taxi operator – has a voice, regardless of the amount of their dues or the size of their business. In this way, the IHK reflects the regional economic structure: all industries, regions, and company sizes are represented in its committees.

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