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President Trichet, Ladies and Gentlemen,
My topic is “The Region as an Economic and Cultural Center“.
Why specifically an economic and cultural center? Regions are generally viewed as larger rural areas. They can only be an economic center if a big company is coincidentally located inside the specific region.
They are often not a cultural center unless the magnificence of one of the major cities in this world has a grasp on the region.
This is a distorted perspective when I observe our Frankfurt-Rheine Main region. It is different than other international business locations with which we currently compete. Frankfurt-Rheine Main does not have an overblown big center with a dependent and frayed periphery.
This region has many smaller and larger centers in still recognizable, typical and varied surroundings. The unique features of our region, based on its lasting historical background and aspects, have not been choked by a paramount center.
So far so good but not good enough for a leading economic and cultural center. But we can become one if we cash in on our future options.
We offer best possible mobility. No other airport offers more destinations than our airport. No other major business location in Europe has better transportation connections by rail or car to the region or to the entire continent.
The central location of this region in the heart of Europe has an extremely positive effect. This translates into time-savings and logistic efficiency within global supply chains. This is a significant and measurable location advantage.
Beyond that, I expect the polycentric structure of Frankfurt-Rheine Main to become a unique selling point thus increasing its attractiveness as business location.
In the Frankfurt-Rheine Main region you can participate in city life without the friction loss and stress of big urban agglomerations. And you can enjoy the natural environment without being punished by the boredom of a secluded wilderness.
We also have cultural activities full of life and vigor. However, we notice big deficits in this sector. Not in regard to substance but concerning marketing.
Who knows that within an area of only 50 kilometers it is possible to see performances in four opera houses: in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Mainz and Wiesbaden!
Consequently, one cannot say that the often quoted lighthouses are missing. However, there is a lack of modern-day orientation of art and culture.
That leads me back to the airport. Globalization also generates new clientele for art. No longer a strictly nationally-oriented educated elite but connoisseurs having been around the world.
The flaneur walking through the passageways in Paris during the 19th century has now become the airside-elite in airport cities and metropolitan areas such as our Frankfurt-Rheine Main region.
There is still a lot of work ahead of us. However, as you know, we are working on the future of our international air travel hub. Consequently, we are making a major contribution to this region to become a much bigger hub of globalization.
Thank you very much for your attention.
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