"Brexit will make established connections in business, science, research and culture more difficult in many ways," Tschentscher added. However, under the deal reached, the same rules do not have to be applied to Britain as to distant third countries. The senate set up a Brexit co-ordination office in 2018 to prepare the Hanseatic city for the consequences of Britain's departure from the EU.
Hamburg’s senate has welcomed the Brexit trade deal, according to a December press release. Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg, remarked: "After many months of uncertainty, there is now clarity about the basis of our future relations with Britain. I am confident that Hamburg will survive Brexit without any major upheavals. Our city and our businesses are prepared for the end (December 31, 2020) of the transition period."
Brexit disruptiong connections to Britain
Business representatives welcome deal
Representatives of the north German economy have welcome the trade deal. Alexander Anders, Managing Director of the Association of North German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK Nord), said: "Britain is one of the most important international trading partners for the north German economy. This will give our companies abroad the necessary long-term legal security for their investments and business activities." The bureaucratic regulations for cross-border trade should be kept to a minimum to avoid further economic damage, he added. Around 1,000 companies in Hamburg have trade links with Britain. Around 160 firms have a permanent representative office, branch, joint venture or production facility there.
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