On 25 September 2025, Bernd Hugo, CEO of KARL HUGO and President of AVED-IHK Ostbelgien, took the floor to represent the voice of employers and companies from Belgium’s German-speaking Community during the official ceremony - particularly within the panel discussion on employer advocacy towards institutions and the political sphere.

KARL HUGO is actively committed to the economic, social, and institutional development of the East Belgium region. “This commitment became fully tangible when I accepted the presidency of AVED-IHK Ostbelgien,” explained Bernd Hugo, CEO of KARL HUGO. “In Belgium’s German-speaking Community, these two employers’ organizations, which officially merged on 28 March 2025, play a central role in representing the interests of employers and businesses.”

Through its active engagement, KARL HUGO reaffirms its determination to contribute to strengthening the local economic fabric, to defend the interests of the region’s businesses, and to work alongside its partners in building an attractive, sustainable, and forward-looking region.