February 2, 2009 - This year German President Horst Köhler will officially open HANNOVER MESSE (the Hannover Fair). Even, or especially in times of crisis, an international exhibition like HANNOVER MESSE serves as an engine for economic change, presenting an opportunity for new thinking and for the construction of a new, cooperative economic order. "We are particularly delighted that German President Horst Köhler will be opening HANNOVER MESSE this year - a difficult year," reports Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe. "This symbolizes for us, and no doubt for a great number of exhibitors as well, the fact that Germany's companies and research institutes continue to play at the top of the world's major economic leagues.
With its 13 flagship shows, HANNOVER MESSE 2009 will offer impressive confirmation. No other trade fair offers the same degree of diversity or the synergies that allow visitors to get a comparative overview of all the interconnected technology sectors."