More than 4,000 exhibitors are expected to showcase their innovations at what is billed as the world's largest industrial trade fair, with visitors from approximately 150 countries expected.

As in previous years, the fair is a must on the calender especially of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from Germany and elsewhere, who are aiming to present their latest innovations — with the main focus this year being on robotics, mechanical engineering, power-train technology, and energy production.

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Held in difficult economic times, the fair in the capital of the German regional state of Lower Saxony wants to "promote optimism," says Jochen Köckler, CEO of the fair organizers, Deutsche Messe AG.

"We want to provide a platform where politics and business can exchange ideas to discuss the framework conditions necessary for success," he told DW, with the main thrust being on building "trust in investments" and, above all, to "convey a sense of optimism."

This year's so-called partner country at the fair is Canada. Although the decision was made two years ago, the title has come to be particularly timely given the North American's fierce trade spat with the US administration of Donald Trump.

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