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Harald Mahrer
30 Years of the WKÖ Export Prize: Austrian Companies Honored for Top Performance
Austria's export industry has achieved impressive successes over the last 30 years. EU accession in 1994 played a key role in this, paving the way for a more than five-fold increase in goods exports. Despite challenging framework conditions, the 63,700 domestic export companies achieved a record value of 200 billion euros in goods exports and 83 billion euros in services exports last year.
June 18, 2024
Future of Research in Austria: Leader in the European Union
In an unprecedented phase of development, Austria's research landscape has set out to achieve the highest research quota within the European Union. The year 2024 marks a turning point in which the country achieves a research quota of 3.34% of gross domestic product (GDP) - a record figure that puts Austria on the ambitious path to the top in Europe.
April 24, 2024
Austrian Business Leaders and Government Officials Discuss Economic Ties with South Korea
The President of Austrian Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer welcomed South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. South Korea will be a global hotspot for future technologies of central importance for Austria.
May 14, 2023
Trade Between Tiger States and Austria at a High Level
The great potential for Austrian companies that emanates from the so-called tiger states in Asia was the main point of the Asia conference recently held by the WKO. Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Korea are considered global hotspots for innovation and new technologies.
October 20, 2022
WKO Calls for Coordinated Action to Combat Energy Crisis Ahead of EU Summit
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) recently called for a joint Europe-wide approach to combating the energy crisis. In doing so, it criticised the EU with its cautious attitude and national solo efforts.
October 8, 2022
Austria's Economy Demands Help with Energy Crisis
Many companies in Austria are currently struggling with the high energy prices. Now the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Federation of Austrian Industries are calling for political intervention to prevent company closures.
September 27, 2022
Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President
With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.
September 15, 2022
New EU Gas Emergency Plan: "Must Prepare for the Worst Case"
Recently, the European Commission presented its new EU Gas Emergency Plan under the title "Save gas for a safe winter". In this, the European Commission assumes that consumers can save up to 15% gas. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is pleased with the Commission's plans.
July 22, 2022
Reform of the Red-White-Red Card Passed by Parliament
In order to eliminate the shortage of suitable workers, the Austrian parliament recently decided to change the criteria for the Red-White-Red Card. In future, it should be easier to obtain this card. Austria's economy is relieved. If you want to know the exact changes, read on!
July 11, 2022
EXPO 2025 in Osaka: Austria Wants to Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
Austria wants to further expand its diplomatic relations at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. To this end, Ursula Plassnik, former Foreign Minister and experienced diplomat, has now been appointed an official representative for EXPO 2025.
June 22, 2022
World Expo Dubai: Architecture Award for Sustainable Austria-Pavilion
The Austrian pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai by querkraft architekten consisting of 38 white cone towers has won the first prize in the category "Sustainable Architecture" at the Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2021.
September 29, 2021
Doing Business with the United Arab Emirates: World Expo 2020 Opens in Dubai
The World Expo 2020, which kept its name despite being delayed to 2021, is set to begin in Dubai on 1 October. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a particularly sought-after market for many Austrian companies. Read about the upcoming Expo, the economic relationship between Austria and the UAE, and some of the many Austrian companies that have found success there.
September 23, 2021
Austria Sees Potential Global Economic Leadership
Only recently, the Austrian government has announced a comprehensive location strategy, which should enable Austria to position itself among global economic leaders in some particular segments.
May 10, 2021
How Austria Plans its Economic Recovery
The Austrian government has submitted its final plan for the European Reconstruction fund, in which projects for economic recovery are listed. These planned measures will receive funding of over EUR 3.5 billion by the EU. Find out what the areas of focus for the investments are.
May 5, 2021
Business Location: Austria Invests in Broadband Internet
The Austrian government has announced plans of investing EUR 1.4 billion into broadband expansion. The aim of the investment is to strengthen Austria as a business location and to enhance economic development in rural areas. By 2030, a quick and stable Internet connection will be provided nationwide.
April 29, 2021
Extension of Austria's Internationalization Program "go-international" Announced
Austrian Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck and President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) Harald Mahrer extend the joint internationalization offensive "go-international" and provide EUR 25.6 million for the next two years. The funding will focus on the areas of innovation and technology, value chains and digitalization.
April 20, 2021
Potential Closure of MAN Plant in Austria
After the majority of the workforce in the MAN plant in Steyr voted against a takeover concept of a potential investor, Austria's federal and state governments are highly invested in supporting a solution that would save more than 1,000 jobs in Steyr, Upper Austria. No solution would mean a closure of the plant by 2023.
April 14, 2021
WKO Heads: "We Cannot Afford a Pause in Vaccination"
The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) are delighted about the possible acquisition of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine "Sputnik V" by the Austrian government. Furthermore, they hold on to their idea of using companies for vaccination programs, similar to the implementation with in-company testing.
March 31, 2021
Austria's Culture Sector Met With German Scientists to Discuss Opening Steps
Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture Andrea Mayer and other representatives of the arts industry met with the authors of two German studies which concluded "that the risk of infection in the theater, cinema, opera or concert hall is a calculable one".
March 1, 2021
WKO President Mahrer Demands Tourism Opening in March
At the so-called "opening summit" initiated by Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO), the president of the WKO Harald Mahrer and other representatives of the affected businesses demand to open up the tourism and leisure industry. The currently successful model of entry tests for body-related services could be expanded to these industries as well, Mahrer emphasized.
February 26, 2021
WKO: Austria Needs to End Lockdown in March
After the recent announcement of Austria's federal government to have restaurants, hotels and the cultural sector closed until Easter, the heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) demand opening steps for March. They emphasize that all the current tools, such as mass testing, entry tests and stricter distance rules, would allow a safe gradual opening of the currently closed sectors.
February 16, 2021
WKO Heads: Easing of Lockdown Was Necessary
Both, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce's (WKO) President, Harald Mahrer, and Secretary General, Karlheinz Kopf, are pleased by the government's decision to open the retail sector and body-related service providers again. They furthermore demand a clear perspective for industries that are yet to be opened.
February 4, 2021
WKO: Vaccination in Austrian Businesses Possible
Austria's companies could be used as part of the vaccination strategy. This is what many major companies and Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce suggest. The readily available infrastructure could provide testing and vaccination facilities for up to 500,000 employees in the various industries.
January 12, 2021
WKO Heads Demand Clear Plan for Path to Normality
The heads of Austria's Federal Economic Chamber demand a clear plan that shows a step-by-step path to normality. They demand regular mass testing, where negative test results are connected to more freedoms. According to them, the lockdown immediately after Christmas will hit many companies particularly hard.
December 18, 2020
WKO: Thoughts About Opening Stores on Sundays
The President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) has expressed his thoughts about a possible opening of stores on Sundays before Christmas. This would create the opportunity for companies to equalize customer flows which they have missed out on during the ongoing lockdown.
November 24, 2020
First Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day
The Austrian and Swedish government have decided to hold their first ever Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day, which will try to kick-off a lasting bilateral relationship with regard to innovation, business and industry. The event will be attended by Austrian and Swedish politicians as well as representatives of the economic sector.
November 23, 2020
WKO Heads: "Lockdown Hits Companies With Full Force"
The new lockdown will once again shut down Austria's economy in its entirety. The heads of the Austria Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) emphasize the importance of financial support for companies by the government and of a well functioning education for children despite school closings.
November 16, 2020
Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided
The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.
October 9, 2020
EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage
The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.
September 25, 2020
Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion
The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.
September 23, 2020
EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies
The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.
September 9, 2020
A Ban on Alcohol for Advent Markets May Be Discussed
For the director of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, Harald Mahrer, is it imaginable to have Advent markets this year. However, he is preferring a mandatory mask wearing at Advent markets and recommends a discussion about a possible ban on alcohol.
September 4, 2020
Harald Mahrer Remains Austrian Federal Economic Chamber President for Another Five Years
Harald Mahrer was re-elected President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) at the Economic Parliament and was immediately praised by Margarete Schramböck, Federal Minister for Digitalisation and Business Location.
June 26, 2020
Coronavirus Crisis in Austria: Four Billion Euro Package for the Economy
The Austrian government today cancelled the budgetary "zero deficit" for 2020 and announced the provision of four billion euros for immediate measures.
March 14, 2020
Business with China Slumps: Chamber of Commerce Sets Up Coronavirus Hotline
Because of the coronavirus crisis, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) is now also reacting and setting up an auxiliary hotline for the approximately 1,000 affected companies in the Austrian-Chinese trade.
February 23, 2020
US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in Vienna
The 82-year-old United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who has been in office since February 28, 2017 and was nominated by Donald Trump, visited Vienna and met, among others, US Ambassador Trevor Traina, WKO President Mahrer, Finance Minister Blümel, Environment Minister Gewessler and Economics Minister Schramböck.
February 11, 2020
Vienna Chamber of Commerce Opened New Headquarters
The Vienna Chamber of Commerce, a branch of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, has recently moved into a new ten-storey building near the Vienna Prater, the so-called "Haus der Wiener Wirtschaft". In this building, ten locations from five districts were combined and now all services can be found under one roof.
May 20, 2019
Opening of the New Austrian Foreign Trade Centre in Vietnam
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's largest economic mission to Vietnam and Singapore is currently travelling in Southeast Asia to open a new base in Ho Chi Minh City and to sign a cooperation agreement in Singapore to establish a new Accelerator Programme.
May 16, 2019
Czech-Austrian Economic Relations: President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman Visits Vienna
During the visit of the President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, bilateral economic relations were the focus of talks with Federal President Van der Bellen as well as at the Austrian-Czech Economic Forum in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
April 6, 2019
Emir of Qatar Struggling for Survival Visited Vienna
The 38 year old Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who 5 years ago ascended the throne as successor of his father Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and is now fighting under pressure of his neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, for the survival of his monarchy, came to an official visit to Austria to talk about business.
March 7, 2019
Austria Signed Memorandum with Economic Chambers of Western Balkan States
The representatives of the Economic Chamber and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Harald Mahrer and Karin Kneissl, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Chambers of the Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. The aim is to strengthen regional cooperation at the economic level, particularly in the area of dual vocational training.
January 18, 2019
New Austrian Foreign Trade Strategy: Growth, Jobs, Prosperity
In a joint event in the Aula of Sciences, the Federal Government's new foreign trade strategy was presented by Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck, Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl and President of the Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer. The key points of the strategy are the following: Perspective, value orientation, location effect, focal points, future orientation, communication, efficient coordination.
December 20, 2018
Austrian National Bank Seeking Successors for Top Jobs
The Board of Governors of the OeNB Austrian National Bank has published a recruitment announcement for the new central bank governor, vice governor and two members of the Management Committee. Applications can be submitted until 5 December, according to the official gazette of the "Wiener Zeitung".
November 5, 2018
Harald Mahrer: Economic Chamber Has 8 Million Members
In his inaugural speech, the new President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mahrer, calls for more leeway for companies and the further development of the social partnership into a partnership for the future and announces an education offensive.
May 25, 2018
Leadership Change: Mahrer Follows Leitl as Austrian Chamber of Commerce President
Harald Mahrer, President designate of the WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, will take over from acting President Christoph Leitl on 18 May.
April 3, 2018
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