Germany ADIA partnership, business or bear embrace

Forget about the Russian Bear, Germany has got into a tight embrace with another bear this time around in West Asia. UAE sovereign wealth Fund had its noose tightened over Germany. Specific attention: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority better known by its initials ADIA. Let me assess this in terms of geoeconomics:

Here is a review of one investment by the ADIA:

Open Grid Europe GmBH (OGE)

ADIA held a major stake in OGE, a top German gas network operator around 25%, via her subsidiary Infinity Investments. As a gas grid operator, OGE is a key player in the energy transition and also one of the pioneers of green energy transformation in Germany. She achieved this by transporting green gases, such as renewable and decarbonised gases and CO2 using pipeline network stretching over 12,000 km along the line, building compressor stations for gas energy carriers.

Even though the company employs 1.450 persons most of whom being Germans  fundamental questions about the sensitivity of this project under scrutiny of a West Asian Fund  had been raised on and off to the displeasure of AFID which finally agreed, for a  divestment. But none of the efforts of divestment bore fruit. The latest being, the failure of negotiations with Italy’s Snam which at the last moment broke down in November 2025.

It is relevant to state that apart from the energy, German trade volume with UAE of non-energy trade amounts to close upon USD 13.8 Billion. The sectors include aviation, logistics and finance other than clean energy as represented by OGE.

Analysis

When setting investment plans for Germany by outside financiers, care should be taken to define the volume, the percentage and the duration of the investment and be reduced in writing. This relates specifically for investment funds. In the case of joint-ventures and/or partnerships the duration part may be dispensed with.

Moreover, priority sectors such as real-estate, housing, infra-structure, roads & railways be selected from the bank of eligible targets. Investing in these targets could be allowed for both wealth funds as well as enterprises willing to invest in Germany.

Synthesis

One good thing happened as regards to ADIA was her involvement in VTG Aktiengesellschaft a major international railcar leasing and logistics company based in Hamburg whose product portfolio include but not limited to, rail freight, wagon leasing, tank container leasing and multimodal logistics services Serving industries such as chemicals, petroleum, automotive, paper, and agriculture with a fleet of 85,000 freight wagons and about 5,000 tank containers this firm does a great job. So is ADIA.

My strategy advice

Geoeconomics matter a lot in choosing investment priorities, partners, collaborators, fund managers throughout globally without restricting to wealth fund managers located only in West Asia. Every such effort must be made with clear goals centred upon elevating the status of Germany in her Geoeconomics profile.

Hence, navigating strategy amid geoeconomics cautions Germany to choose the right partners, collaborators and fund managers. 

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff

Strategy Adviser

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Strategy Adviser

 

 

 

Good side of Adolf Hitler

You are overwhelmed with snippets of bad things Adolf Hitler has done during the Third Reich. Hardly, any mention for his good side. To do justice, I have done a bit of a research proving that Fuhrer had good side too. Here are my gleanings:

1. Vegetarianism: This may surprise many. Adolf Hitler is a strict vegetarian. He abhorred the inhumane slaughter method followed in Germany at that time. He never allowed meat items to be served for him as food. In fact, he was campaigning for humane ways of animal slaughter method including rendering the animal go unconscious and ensuring that the victim does not feel fear or pain of death. He legislated the need for humane slaughter methods which Nordic countries follow today in a big way.

2. Teetotaller: Even during the winter period, Hitler would neither consume nor serve liquor to others. Alcohol has no place in the kitchen of Hitler household. Specially, the Fuhrer did not encourage people around him drinking alcohol in any form.

3. Smoking is anathema: During a meeting with King Carol II of Romania on November 24, 1938, the King lit a cigar in the presence of the Fuhrer despite smoking was banned at the venue.  Even though Hitler was offended he allowed it to proceed but reminded the monarch about smoking ban in a strict and rough tone. After this meeting the king made a famous statement “How dare a corporal reproach a king for smoking”.

4. Public health programmes: Quite a number of public health programmes were undertaken at the direction of the Fuhrer. These programmes had themes such as evils of alcohol as well as smoking. Pointedly, Hitler was the first leader of a western country who linked lung cancer to smoking and consuming alcohol to pre-mature death.

5. Winter Relief: known as “Winterhilfswork” the Fuhrer ordered provision of food, winter clothing, warming oil and opening shelters for senior citizens, the poor and distressed people.

6. Child welfare: Being fond of children, the Fuhrer ordered that child allowance “Kindegeld” be allocated to those who cannot afford to take care of their precious kids.

7. Mother’s Day: Klara Hitler who is the mother of Fuhrer was suffering from lung cancer. Just turned 18, Hitler was consoling her beloved mother and spent more than six months of her last stage looking after her. When she died on 21/12/1907 Hitler could not bear his sorrow. The physician who looked after his mother was one Eduard Blush. He recalled that he has never seen a son taking care of the mother and the grief he has shown at her death. Incidentally, when Eduard wished to leave for America, Hitler made special arrangement for his safe journey out of Germany. Hence the declaration of the Muttertag!

Navigating strategy amid geoeconomics, therefore mandates Germany to look at the good side of Adolf Hitler and emulate it!

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff

Strategy Adviser

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Strategy Adviser