WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce

Demand for More Artificial Intelligence in Austrian Economy

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), only 12 percent of Austrian businesses use artificial intelligence in their operations. For Alfred Harl, representative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce in this particular sector, Austrian companies will need to stay up to date with regard to new technologies and not be "left behind in the strong international environment."

April 14, 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

Vienna as Industrial Location: Proximity to Eastern Market Loses Importance

A recent survey shows that Vienna's infrastructure and quality of life are location advantages for Vienna as an industrial location, but the proximity to eastern European and other eastern markets declines in importance. Only 40 percent of the 172 surveyed Viennese industrial companies see the proximity to the eastern EU countries as an advantage,

April 8, 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

European Year of Rail: Austria's Gewessler Attends Kick-Off Event

The Portuguese Council of the EU Presidency has a strong focus on railroads with the European Year of Rail. At the kick-off event, which was attended by the EU Transport Ministers, Austria's Leonore Gewessler looked forward to the investments into the railway system and hoped for promotion of the mobility revolution.

March 30, 2021

Vienna Introduces New Covid-19 Testing System

The City of Vienna has introduced the new testing system "Alles Gurgelt!". Every Viennese is eligible to pick up PCR tests at the 152 BIPA stores throughout Vienna, record herself or himself while conducting the test and drop off the tests at one of 620 REWE locations. The results of the test is available after 24 hours and works as "entry test" for body-related services.

March 29, 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

Austria Continues to Invest In Bicycle Transportation

Austria's Ministry of Climate Protection continues to support the purchase of e-bicycles and transport bikes. Enterprises, associations and individuals will benefit from the increased subsidy amount and a reduction of value-added tax for bicycle repair services.

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: Austria's Tourism Industry Needs Every Possible Help

The chairman of the division responsible for tourism in the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, Robert Seeber, demands all possible help for the hard-hit Austrian tourism industry. Seeber emphasizes the need for urgent measures, so the tourism sector can once again "act as an economic locomotive and employment engine to boost the entire national economy."

February 10, 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

Eurochambres President Demands Repositioning of EU

After the post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and the United Kingdom has finally been set up, Eurochambres President Christoph Leitl demands repositioning of the European Union and does not only see negative impacts of the UK leaving the single market and the customs union.

January 11, 2021

WKO: Lockdown Extension a "Blow For Domestic Trade"

Once again the Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) does not entirely support the federal government in its decision to extend the lockdown and cancel the opportunity to escape the lockdown with a negative Covid-19 test. The WKO demands plans for the affected companies and aid for the suppliers indirectly affected by the crisis.

January 5, 2021

Schramböck: "UK Will Remain Important Partner in Europe"

Although the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union's customs union and single market at the end of 2020, Austria's Economics Minister Schramböck assures that "Austria's companies will continue to play a significant role in the UK markets" in the future. The newly negotiated agreement between the UK and the EU will provide a proper framework for these business relations.

December 30, 2020

Brexit Agreement: Federation of Austrian Industries and WKO Welcome Agreement

With regard to the finalized Brexit negotiations, the Federation of Austrian Industries and Chamber of Commerce showed themselves relieved after the EU and the United Kingdom have finally come to an agreement which will regulate the relations between the leaving party and the member countries of the European Union starting from January 1, 2021.

December 28, 2020

WKO: Importance of Trade Agreements

The chairman of the Federal Board for Foreign Trade in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Karl Pisec, underlines the importance of international trade agreements for the European Union as well as for Austria. As an example to show benefits of trade agreements, he uses the EU's agreement with the Mercosur states and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia.

December 23, 2020

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 and IV: Need for "Climate Protection with Common Sense"

The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) demand appropriate framework conditions for climate-friendly behavior instead of the race for ever higher climate targets. Both Secretary Generals want "climate protection with common sense".

December 10, 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

International Mobility Days 2020 Held Virtually

The International Mobility Days of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce are held virtually. The mobility industry is one of the fastest evolving industries and the future of transportation, especially in growing cities, is a topic that has been dominating international entrepreneurial acton for years.

November 19, 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

Eurochambres President Demands Rapid Measures for Businesses

At the presentation of the 28th Eurochambres Economic Survey, President of the Association for European Chambers of Commerce Leitl demands "immediate help" for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the survey results show sharp declines in many economic indicators.

November 11, 2020

Austrian Economic Mission to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is organizing an open-industry economic mission to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The program includes networking with local business leaders and multipliers, preparations for the postponed Expo 2020 in 2021 and the opening of new business opportunities.

November 10, 2020

Vienna Is the Sixth Largest City in the European Union

After London pulled out and Bucharest moved up, Vienna has consolidated itself in sixth place among the largest cities in the European Union. But who is the new European leader, and who are the other cities ahead of Vienna in the ranking? What are the reasons why living in Vienna is so popular with other Austrians, expats, migrants and refugees?

November 9, 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

Suspension of Restrictions Between Hungary and Austria

Hungary has lifted the 30-kilometer and 24-hour restrictions for commuters from Austria. This makes cross-border life and business significantly easier and allows the trading relationship between the two countries to flourish again.

September 14, 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

WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.

September 7, 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

After Discussions in Austria: IHS and WIFO Against Statutory Reduction of Working Hours

Austrian economic research institutes IHS and WIFO are both against a reduction of working hours. According to the experts, training and retraining for the unemployed would be better approaches.

August 26, 2020

Austrian Chamber of Commerce Promotes Business with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

The WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce offers the opportunity to participate in a webinar on the opportunities for Austrian and European companies in the two countries Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with and after COVID-19.

July 27, 2020 · Sponsored Content

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

Coronavirus: Infopoint for Affected Companies

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber has set up a central contact point in Vienna for companies that have requests in connection with the coronavirus. The "Coronavirus Infopoint" brings together all information from Austria and abroad on this topic.

February 19, 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

Upward Trend in Foreign Trade Between Uzbekistan and Austria

With 33 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is the most populous country and Austria's second largest export destination in Central Asia.

November 18, 2019

Austria Connect Greater China: Digital Transformation and Tomorrow's Customers

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong hosts the largest Chinese-Austrian networking event in Asia.

October 22, 2019

Austria ist Überall: Austria's Exporters in the United States

The Austrian Trade Commissioner in New York, Michael Friedl, is pleased about the successful business of Austrian companies in the US American market with record export figures of 10.6 billion euros and a trade balance surplus of 4.6 billion euros.

August 23, 2019

Albania and North Macedonia: No EU Accession Negotiations for the Time Being, but Austria Still in Favor of It

The decision to start accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia was postponed. Several EU states are blocking enlargement in the Balkans. The EU committee of the Austrian Federal Council demands that the Western Balkans become part of the EU. The Austrian Federation of Trade Unions, on the other hand, warns against hasty new admissions.

June 20, 2019

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

ALPS 2019: How Diplomacy and Commerce Fit Together

As part of the 11th ALPS round in May 2019, 21 international company and start-up founders from 13 non-EU countries had the opportunity to make contact with Austrian decision-makers, explore ways of working together and develop new ideas.

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

Viennese Merchants' Guild Prepares for Chinese Century

Something is happening in the Viennese school system. The VBS Vienna Business School will offer its students the opportunity to learn Chinese (Mandarin) at all six school locations from autumn onwards and to take advantage of an extensive range of Chinese language and culture courses.

March 18, 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

Business Mission and "Future Trip" to Tel Aviv as Part of the State Visit of Van der Bellen

On the occasion of the official state visit of Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WKO) is organising an economic mission entitled "Infrastructure" as well as the "Open Innovation for Corporates" future trip to Tel Aviv.

February 4, 2019

Austrian-Israeli Economic Relations - 20% Increase in Exports

On the occasion of the official state visit of Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the accompanying business delegation of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the issue of the actual state of economic relations has arisen. The Austrian-Israeli foreign trade volume amounted to 568 million euros in 2017, with a trade balance surplus for Austria of 229 million euros. The Chamber of Commerce reports that Austrian exports to Israel increased by 20.3% in 2017. The trend seems to have continued in 2018. More than 600,000 overnight stays by Israeli tourists make Israel one of the top nations in Austrian tourism statistics.

February 4, 2019