Dok.-Nr.: 3022

IHK-Focus 2005
Demographic Change

East Frisia's population will hardly grow during the coming centuries. According to the Lower Saxon Office for Statistical Information the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for East Frisia and Papenburg has calculated 472 000 people in the year 2021. This is a mere rise of 1.8 % compared to 2004.

In 2004 the chamber district's population was more than 463 000. East Frisians have grown in numbers by 50 000 (i.e.12 % ) since 1987. "Since the mid-80s, we have been added a town the size of Emden", says IHK-President Dr. Carl Ulfert Stegmann. In 1960, however, East Frisia had only counted 361 000 inhabitants.

As a parallel development the share of people older than 65 will increase until 2021 - from now 33 to then about 40 %. This trend will get even stronger until 2050.
In comparison with other regions East Frisia shows a rather moderate development. Ohter regions in Lower Saxony or Germany are hit by the demographic change much more intensely.
This transition will not be without consequences for the regional economy. Businesses will have to adjust to the population's stagnation and to a growing number of older consumers. The major branches concerned: retail and tourism. But also the industry for consumers' goods, insurace and financial businesses must face the challenge. The demand of real estate and construction will undergo changes in the long term.

Even now it is necessary to sensitize the regional businesses for this development. "Successful companies think and operate on a long term basis. It is not a long time until 2021", Dr. Stegmann stresses. The IHK-executive committe has decided to give priority to the subject of demographic change and its consequences. Thus it is the main focus of 2005 for the IHK.
During the whole year the IHK will offer events and will deal with the topic in committees, working groups and forums. As a kick-off event the chamber's biggest annual event - the "Wirtschaftsabend" (Evening of Economy) - on 10 March 2005, will have the motto "Future without Children? - Demographic Change and its consequences for the regional Economy". Guest speaker: State Minister for Social Affairs, Women, Family and Health issues Dr. Ursula von der Leyen.