GIZ has extensive experience in areas directly connected to the business environment in developing countries. This opens up diverse opportunities for cooperation. Some examples:

Environmental and social standards

• raising awareness of environmentally and socially relevant themes among decision-makers and institutions
• training in industrial environmental protection
• introducing internationally recognised environmental and social standards

Vocational training

• introducing new production techniques and technologies
• strengthening local vocational training systems
• upgrading specialists and management personnel

Human resources development in industry

• qualifying suppliers and contractors from emerging and developing countries
• training local trainers
• supporting trade associations and other umbrella organisations

Competence-building in agriculture

• training in environmentally sound cultivation methods, sustainable field management, ecologically viable pest control, training in various harvest methods, modern crop storage, conversion of conventional cultivation methods to organic farming
• support and training for producer associations and cooperatives
• transfer of marketing know-how

Technology transfer

• supporting the introduction of new, environmentally friendly technologies in local firms
• promoting research and educational institutions
• supporting pilot facilities

Financial services

• providing training in the banking sector
• developing and marketing software for financial institutions.

Social initiatives/social services

• introducing company health insurance schemes
• supporting the introduction of medical-care systems for employees and their families
• supporting in-house or local HIV/AIDS prevention measures.