The German Asia Foundation was founded in 1992 to promote the dialogue with the countries of Asia and the Asians living here and to support the initiatives and organisations participating in it. It is politically and economically independent and works here as well as in Asia for human dignity and against oppression, for overcoming prejudices and the realization of social justice. It believes this is in the public interest – both here and in Asia. For the fulfilment of this task they have established the Asia House in Essen, opened in February 1995. The Asia House is the focus of the foundation´s activities.
The Asia House intends to be a meeting place for people with different interests in Asia. Various groups of immigrants from Asian countries meet regularly in the Asia House. The Tamil Women´s Group Essen, the German-Chinese Association Essen, the Union of Iranian Physicians and Dentists in Germany as well as Fair Trade Essen, Inc.he Asia House.