Post by Clas Neumann

As 2026 begins to take shape, I look back on a personal journey that has seen me spending nearly as much time outside Germany as within it. My life and career have been profoundly shaped by Asia: twelve formative years in India and fourteen in China, two places that have truly become second homelands. With so many years outside my home country, there is one question I am asked a lot: Do you miss Germany? There is a simple, heartfelt answer: of course! I miss the village of Wollmatingen by Lake Constance. I miss Schwäbisch Gmünd, where I grew up and would hunt for nuts in the woods in spring with my brothers. I miss the shimmer of the Neckar River in the summer sun, which was a daily companion on my university commute. I miss my foundational years at Walldorf, where mentors and colleagues shaped my professional ethos. It is precisely this connection to my homeland that drove me—even from 10,000 kilometers away—to dedicate my time to fostering German business and cultural ties abroad, culminating in my pro bono work with the German Chambers of Commerce (AHK) in both India and China. Now, a significant personal chapter is closing. As of April 1, 2026, I am no longer chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in China – East, a role I have been honored to fulfill for six years. While the two-term limit was a principle for which I advocated, arriving at this moment brings complex emotions. It feels fitting to share some reflections on this remarkable organization from an insider’s viewpoint.