Laser World of Photonics: Bavarian-French Evening Reception

"France meets Bavaria" – this was the motto of a get-together of French and Bavarian optics and photonics companies, organised by Invest in Bavaria with the support of Business France, the French Consulate General in Munich and the French Institute of Culture in Munich on 24th June 2015.

The large number of French exhibitors at the world's leading tradeshow Laser World of Photonics 2015 prompted Invest in Bavaria to invite to a Franco-Bavarian evening reception at the Institut Français of Munich. In the relaxed atmosphere of the stately Palais Seyssel d’Aix – itself a symbol of the historical relations between France and Bavaria - about 40 representatives of French and Bavarian companies exchanged experiences and established new contacts.

Plenty to talk about during the evening was provided by the key notes of Dr. Wenko Süptitz, head of the trade association of Photonics in the high-tech network SPECTARIS, and of David Méchin, who is in charge of international relationships in the French photonics association CNOP (Comité National d’Optique et Photonique). They informed the participants about international competition in the photonics sector and key areas of the sector in Germany and France.
The harmony between Bavaria and France not only in terms of economy and politics but also in terms of fine food was demonstrated by the buffet that offered delicacies such as a variety of canapés and the traditional Bavarian cream.

Last but not least, we invited our guests to cut off and take along a little souvenir: a pretzel-shaped key ring on a ribbon in the colours of the French tricolore: Bleu-Blanc-Rouge.

Find photos of the reception in our media library.

Background
Nearly 20,000 people work in optical technologies in Bavaria today. With a market share of more than fifty percent in the sectors of lighting technology, information and communication technology, Bavaria is considered to be the number one in Germany. The central point of contact and coordination for researchers, manufacturers and users of optical technologies in Bavaria is the cluster bayern photonics with currently about 80 members.

Around 460 French companies are currently based in Bavaria. More than 4,200 Bavarian companies have business relationships with French partners. France has long been one of Bavaria's most important trading partners.