Zeitgeschehen

>Sure, most of it is invisible on the international scale, but it's there and underpins an economy of specialists.

Actually a not insignificant part of these backwater businesses are so called Hidden Champions[1]. Basically, small companies who are still leader in the world market for their very specialised product.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Champion

As far as I know, the only countries where you are obliged to carry your ID are Portugal and the Netherlands. In Germany you are required to possess one but not to carry it with you, except in special cases (fields of work known for a high percantage of illegal workers, people carrying weapons, police men). If you do not posses a valid ID, you will be fined up to 3000€. But do note that you are required to identify yourself to the police or other official institutions and if you are unable to they might escort you home to present your id or to the police office to identify you there.

That would be fine because that someone would not be a competitor of the company. Although you have to consider that if you earn money while being paid through such an agreement your earnings are partly deducted from them. So if you find a job which pays the same as before, your old company will only need to pay until your income reaches 110%(125% if you moved for your new job) of your old income. You are also not allowed to "maliciously refrain" from working in that time. (But that is interpreted quite lax for the employee)