The OAV - The network of the German Asian economy
The East Asian Association (OAV) is the leading business association for successful business relations with the Asia-Pacific region. Since 1900, we have been supporting around 400 member companies - from SMEs to DAX-listed corporations - with knowledge, contacts and practical know-how.
Over 125 years of expertise in Asia
126 years ago, sixteen merchants and a senior regional court judge came together and met at the Hotel Hamburger Hof at Jungfernstieg 30.
Founded in 1900, the OAV is one of Germany's most traditional regional associations.
Dr. Michael Schleef, CEO of HSBC Germany and member of the OAV Executive Committee
Dr. Dirk Lorenz-Meyer, Chairman Corporate of the Behn Meyer Group, Honorary Consul of Singapore and descendant of OAV co-founder Eduard Lorenz Meyer
What the OAV offers
Both companies with experience in Asia and newcomers will find us the ideal platform for exchanging experiences across sectors and a comprehensive range of practical services.
Interface between business and politics.
Whether new business opportunities, diversification, expansion, recruitment or strategic advice against a challenging geopolitical backdrop, our members benefit from our strong network, trusted institutional links to embassies and ministries and in-depth knowledge of the region.
If you want to be successful in Asia, the OAV is the right place for you.
Networking
Exclusive events on economic and geopolitical topics
Market opportunities and strategies in the Asia-Pacific region
From market potential to market development and legal issues
Young Leaders
Exclusive junior management program for high potentials from OAV member companies
Regional initiatives
Contacts with institutions and government agencies in Germany and the Asia-Pacific region
The OAV offers companies an exchange of experience, know-how and a professional network
Opinions of our members
The OAV gives us the opportunity to establish contact with various political decision-makers and thus drive forward our project development activities in Asia with vigor
We see great growth potential for our cross-sector products in the Asian region. The knowledge and contacts gained through the OAV are crucial for us to better understand the markets with their economic and political dimensions and to make successful investments.
Become a member now:
5 good reasons to join the OAV
Cross-industry networking
Regional reach in Asia
Individual support
Powerful representation of interests in politics
Regular networking events
Current events
Japan Business Day – Gateway to Growth: Economic Cooperation Between Japan and Hamburg
May 28, 2026, Hamburg
German-Indian Cooperation in a Multipolar World
June 2, 2026, Eschborn
India takes center stage: High-ranking guests will discuss German-Indian cooperation in business and soccer in a multipolar world. Look forward to exciting insights—at …
Hamburg Foreign Trade Day 2026
June 3, 2026, Hamburg
The 2026 Hamburg Foreign Trade Day will feature practical keynote speeches, inspiring discussions on today’s challenges in global trade, and consultation sessions for …
More news
Follow-up Report on the Asia Education Forum 2026
March 27, 2026
On March 27, 2026, the second German-Asian Education Forum once again brought together around 100 international guests and experts from the business, political, and education sectors to discuss fair …
Anna-Lena Schütte will take over as managing director of the OAV on June 1, 2026
March 18, 2026
Almut Rößner is leaving the club on August 31, 2026, to pursue a new career path
OAV Business Forum Asia-Pacific 2026: Conference and 103rd Ostasiatisches Liebesmahl
Our partners
