As part of the economic delegation, Dr. Fritz Audebert traveled with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan
Nearly 24,000 km in five days: Indonesia, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan
Some invitations are a special honor!
That’s how I felt when I once again received an invitation from the Office of the Federal President to accompany Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, on a delegation trip to Southeast and Central Asia. It was a rare opportunity to get to know countries that are becoming increasingly important for Germany’s future.
The first two stops took us to Indonesia and the Philippines. Two countries that seem different at first glance—and yet raise the same question: What role does Germany play here in competition with other nations?
In Jakarta, we were received by President Prabowo Subianto. This visit underscored Indonesia’s importance for Germany’s economic future: 280 million people, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, a GDP of nearly 1.4 trillion USD—and a key partner in skilled labor, trade, and raw materials. The CEPA free trade agreement between the EU and Indonesia is more than just economic policy. It stands for partnership in a world in flux.
This theme continued in the Philippines. The historic visit to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—the first by a German Federal President since 1963—highlighted the close link between economic cooperation and the recruitment of skilled workers.
This became evident during a visit to Lufthansa Technik in Manila—one of the world’s largest maintenance centers for wide-body aircraft, where almost exclusively Filipino specialists work to the highest safety standards. The German value proposition of “perfection” is seen here as a clear USP.
With a population of 117 million and a GDP of approximately 462 billion USD, the Philippines is one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia.
At the economic roundtable, I had the opportunity to engage directly in conversation with the Philippine Minister of Labor and Migrant Workers, as well as representatives from the Department of Finance and the business community. Germany will face a shortage of approximately 728,000 skilled workers by 2027. More than 2 million Filipino skilled workers are already employed abroad—a significant potential if recruitment is conducted fairly and sustainably.
In both countries, it became clear what potential lies in international skilled-worker partnerships—particularly in nursing, healthcare, the hospitality industry, skilled trades, and technology. The real challenge, however, begins not with recruitment but with arrival: 10 to 15 out of every 100 recruited skilled workers leave Germany again within a short time because integration fails.
Jakarta, Indonesia: A state cat and a state banquet hosted by President Prabowo
As part of the delegation’s trip, we were treated to exceptional hospitality in Jakarta on our first day.
What made this meeting special was not only the political context, but also the way in which personal connection and cultural affinity were deliberately fostered.
President Prabowo Subianto and members of his cabinet took the microphone themselves—performing traditional Indonesian songs, as well as surprising musical tributes to Germany. Among other songs, they performed "ein bisschen Frieden, ein bisschen Freude" by Nicole as well as the folk song “Muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus.”
This gesture demonstrates that, in diplomacy, culture is far more than just a side event. It is a strategic tool for building trust and bridges.
ersonal photos from the lives of both heads of state were also displayed—a remarkably personal touch in an otherwise highly formal setting.
And then there was a moment that will remain especially memorable to me:
“Bobby Kertanegara,” the president’s famous cat, was wheeled in on a stroller—complete with an iPad—and has long since become a minor national phenomenon, both in the presidential palace and on social media.
An unusual scene, to be sure. But also one that shows just how multifaceted diplomacy has become today—politically, culturally, and personally.
Especially in a world where international relations are often marked by tensions, it is often precisely these human moments that foster trust.
For me, this was one of those rare moments that show: Ultimately, behind every state visit, it is people above all else who matter.
Usbekistan – a country that is currently reinventing itself
Uzbekistan lies in the heart of Central Asia, wedged between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. It has no access to the sea and no direct connection to the major trade routes of the past—and yet, hardly any other country in the region is currently developing as dynamically.
At the third stop on the delegation’s trip with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, we were welcomed in Tashkent by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with military honors—a state reception, the signing of bilateral project agreements in the presence of both presidents, and a direct conversation with the Uzbek head of state.
On the second day, we visited the GP Günter Papenburg branch—and discussed a topic that had also been on our minds in Jakarta and Manila: skilled labor migration.
What particularly impressed me about Uzbekistan is that behind the numbers lies a country that has fundamentally reinvented itself in less than six years.
Uzbekistan 2020 vs. 2025/2026—the data speaks for itself:
GDP per capita: approx. 2,029 USD ➔ around 4,661 USD
Economic growth: 1.9% (in the midst of the pandemic) ➔ 6.5% (2024)
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): 26 points ➔ 33 points
Minimum wage: approx. 55–60 EUR/month ➔ around 95–100 EUR/month
Six years. GDP nearly doubled. That’s no coincidence—it’s political will. When it comes to the Corruption Perceptions Index and the minimum wage: The absolute figures show where the country has come from. The trend line shows where it’s headed. And that is precisely the key information for companies that think long-term.
By comparison: Germany currently stands at around 67,000 USD—but with economic growth most recently at 0.2%, and the trend is downward. Uzbekistan is growing at over 6% per year. The direction is clear.
What’s behind this? A country that is consciously opening up. New rail links to China and Kyrgyzstan are creating strategic transport corridors. Trade in goods with Germany rose by a quarter in 2025 to 1.5 billion euros. And the 2024 bilateral migration and mobility partnership is establishing a reliable framework for recruiting skilled workers—exactly where Germany urgently needs them.
Central Asia is changing—and Uzbekistan is leading this change. Anyone thinking long-term should keep this country on their radar. I’m grateful to have experienced it up close—and I’m excited to see how this partnership continues to develop!
The press also reported on the delegation's trip to Asia
Weitere Informationen zum Thema:
Rede Bundespräsident vom 15. Juni 2026 zu dem Besuch in Jakarta/Indonesien
Rede Bundespräsident vom 16. Juni 2026 zu dem Besuch in Manila/Philippinen
Lesen Sie hier zur Delegationsreise 2024.