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WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce
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
Economic Relations Between France and Austria on the Rise
France is Austria's fourth most important export market worldwide. At more than EUR 3 bn, the trade surplus with France is the second highest in the world after the USA. Last year, France grew particularly strongly as a destination for Austrian products with an increase of 32% or EUR 7 bn in Austrian exports.
January 30, 2019
Economic Relations Brazil - Austria
Brazil experienced the worst recession in its history with GDP declining by 3.8 % (2015) and 3.5 % (2016) respectively. By 2017, the recession had bottomed out and GDP had risen slightly by 1 %. After sharp declines in the recession years, Austrian export figures to Brazil have now been recovering for two years. In 2017 Austria was able to increase its exports by 26.4 % year-on-year to EUR 725 million, and in the first three quarters of 2018 there was a further increase of 19.3 %.
January 23, 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
Cooperation with the Indian Film Industry: Bollywood in Austria
Indian production companies visit potential film locations in Austria for future films. With the aim of exploring Austria as a backdrop for future Bollywood films, six producers from India's most renowned production houses will be visiting Austria from 9 to 15 September 2018.
September 7, 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
US Termination of the Iran Agreement: Major Effects on Austrian Exports Expected
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber fears that the Trump decision will have a massive negative impact on the Iran business of Austrian companies. It will probably be extraordinarily difficult in the future to establish the necessary payment channels for legitimate transactions.
May 17, 2018
Austrian Exports to the Palestinian Territories Better than Ever
Despite the current tensions between the State of Palestine and Austria over the participation of Ambassador Martin Weiss in the US Embassy Opening Ceremonies, the Austrian Foreign Trade Centers Amman and Tel Aviv are planning a Fact Finding Mission to Ramallah and Amman for the second half of 2018. Austrian exports of goods to the Palestinian Territories increased by +108% in 2017.
May 17, 2018
Iran-Deal Withdrawal: Consequences for Iran-Austrian Economics Relations
About 50 Austrian companies have branches in Iran. Austrian exports to Iran rose by 9.2 percent to 301 million euros in 2017; imports increased by 18.5 percent to 119 million euros. A JCPOA supported only by the EU, Russia, China and Iran is not sufficient in the medium and long term to create the necessary investments and renewals in Iran. Without the US on board, international banks and large companies will continue to shy away from activities in Iran. Secondary sanctions will contribute to this.
May 11, 2018
Trump's Iran Deal Withdrawal Increases Uncertainty for Austrian Companies
Austrian companies react in a wait-and-see manner. The withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran means in practice that the suspension of sanctions will no longer be extended. Considerations range from an immediate halt to activities in Iran to the longest possible active participation within the new sanctions framework. It is unlikely that Austria's exports will reach the 300 million euro mark of the previous year.
May 11, 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
Austrian Delegation Seeks to Improve Economic and Political Relations with Jordan
An official visit of President Van der Bellen to Jordan will take place from 17 April to 19 April 2018. The delegation to Amman will be accompanied by an economic mission headed by WKO Vice President Richard Schenz. The economic mission of the WKO is the response of an invitation issued some time ago by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom.
March 8, 2018
Indian Ministry of Railways Discusses India-Austria Railway Cooperations
The Indian Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhu paid a visit to Austria. In an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce H.E. Mr. Prabhu met with CEOs and Austrian Railway Companies to discuss possible further India-Austria cooperations in the field of railways technology.
July 21, 2016
Austrian Trade Mission to Lagos, Nigeria
Several Austrian companies from various industry sectors are looking for strong local partners and new opportunities for cooperation in Lagos.
May 20, 2016
Austria Strengthens Synergies between Diplomatic and Business Community
Diplomacy and business go hand in hand. From now on, synergies between the representation networks of the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber are to be used more efficiently.
February 26, 2016
Austrian-Russian Friendship Society to Appoint Richard Schenz as New President
Dr. Richard Schenz has recently been appointed as new President of the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society (ORFG - Österreichisch-Russische Freundschaftsgesellschaft). He succeeds CEO Ludwig Scharinger who left office for health reasons. KR Sen.hc Richard Schenz is a Vice President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO). He was formerly CEO of OMV and Capital Markets Advisor to the Austrian Minister of Finance.
December 22, 2015
India Forum at the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce
Recently the Foreign Trade Department of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber organised an event focused on India. Entitled “Parameters for Your Success with Business in India”, the event counted with the participation of ca. 70 Austrian companies and entrepreneurs aiming for India or potentially being interested in doing business there.
December 3, 2015
How Can Exporters Benefit from the "Go-International Initiative" of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce?
Even in a challenging global economic environment, exports remain the driving force behind the Austrian economy. The go-international initiative of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce encourages companies to step across the border by offering advisory services, events and support, as well as making it easier for existing exporters to enter additional foreign markets.
October 19, 2015
Export Award: Austria's Best Exporters
The success of exporters on international markets secures prosperity and jobs in Austria, with six out of every ten euros generated by exports. Recently the 2015 Export Award winners were selected by an independent expert panel. The Austrian Export Award gives annual recognition to the most dedicated and successful companies.
September 11, 2015
Make in India: Forum "Alternative India" in Vienna, Linz and Graz
As part of the trade promotion initiative of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Ministry of Economy “Going International - Going to India” the Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) together with the Austrian Trade Commission in Delhi, organized “Forum Alternative India” in Vienna, in Linz and in Graz.
May 28, 2015
Austrian Export Day 2015 - Tomorrow is Today: Meet Trade Delegates at the Exporttag
On June 30, 2015, from 10am to 5pm the Export Day (Exporttag 2015) of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) will take place in Vienna. Economic delegates from all over the world will be present.
March 27, 2015
Vienna: BRICS vs NAFTA – The Ups and Downs in the Economic Order
The BRICS conferenz 2014 was held at the Austrian Economic Chamber under the motto "BRICS vs NAFTA - The Ups and Downs in the Economic Order".
November 13, 2014
UN Vienna: Celebrations of the International Day of Non-Violence
The Permanent Mission of India in Vienna celebrated the International Day of Non-Violence and the 145th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Rotunda at United Nations, Vienna International Centre. DG UNOV, H.E. Mr. Yuri Fedotov, DG UNIDO, H.E. Mr. Li Yong, Permanent Representatives of various countries and officials of the UN Vienna were present at the event.
October 16, 2014
Austrian Chamber of Commerce Hosts the "Make in India" Launch Event
The Indian Embassy in Vienna in cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, organized the "Make in India" launch event at the WKO in Vienna. The main focus of the event was the recently announced “Make in India” campaign.
October 15, 2014
Investment Opportunities: Moscow - Viennese Economic Talks in Vienna
Within the framework of the "Moscow Days in Vienna", an Economic Forum on economic, investment and technological cooperation "Moscow - Vienna 2014 Synergy - New Opportunities for Growth" was held in the Chamber of Commerce of Vienna.
September 11, 2014
Austrian Export Award 2014 for Above-Average Export Commitment
As part of a festive gala evening in Vienna's Museumsquartier, the Austrian Export Prize 2014 has been awarded by the Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economics, Reinhold Mitterlehner, and the President of the Economic Chamber Austria (WKO) Christoph Leitl.
June 26, 2014
Fischer: Room for Further Trade with Albania
Austrian President Heinz Fischer was paying a visit to Western Balkan States.
May 22, 2014
Exporttag: Meet All Austrian Trade Delegates at the Export Day 2014
On June 24, the Export Day (Exporttag) of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) will take place in Vienna. Economic delegates from all over the world will be present.
May 20, 2014
Austria: Is Spindelegger Suitable as Finance Minister?
On Tuesday the Austrian Finance Minister will hold his first budget speech. Initial figures reveal record debt levels.
April 28, 2014
Vienna Real Estate Market Hopelessly Overstrained?
Real estate trustees in Vienna demand a limit to state-subsidized apartments and call for “unrestricted” rents.
April 23, 2014
Austria: Calls for Reduction of Bureaucracy Become Louder
Bureaucratic hurdles burden the Austrian enterprises the most apart from taxes and other levies.
April 23, 2014
Erste Group to be Relocated to the Czech Republic?
CEO of Erste Group, Andreas Treichl, has informed Czech President Milos Zeman about the bank’s intention to move to Prague in the coming years.
April 9, 2014
Austria: Dispute about Bank Tax Culminates
The establishing of a new fund for the banking union will become a financial burden for banking institutes.
April 3, 2014
Austria: Faymann Insists on Bank Levy
Chancellor Faymann intends to keep the bank levy in spite of the planned insolvency fund, which is going to be established EU-wide.
April 1, 2014
Leitl: “Growth Must Not Mean Less Reforms”
Economic growth is now weaker than in the previous phases of upturn.
March 28, 2014
Austria: Reform Steps Very Modest
Austria, along with Germany and Switzerland, hardly put any economic reforms into realization. This is the conclusion of the annual “reform barometer” for the three countries.
March 20, 2014
WKO Rejects Further Financial Burdens for Banks
According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO), the financial burdens of banking institutes in Austria are significantly higher than those of their competitors in other EU member states.
January 29, 2014
Leitl: No Alternative to Budget Consolidation
Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO), regards the coalition agreement between the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP) acceptable.
December 13, 2013
Leitl: Government Plans “Complete Nonsense“
According to Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the “great” suggestions planned by his working group are not realized by the government.
December 10, 2013
Austria: Tax Losses Amount to € 2bn in 2014
The Austrian People’s Party estimates tax losses in the amount of € 2bn for the coming fiscal year as announced by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Reinhold Lopatka in an interview with radio station Ö1.
November 29, 2013
Leitl: Growth Stimulating Measures for Budget Consolidation
Leitl calls for growth stimulating measures which are the basis for the consolidation of the Austrian budget.
November 28, 2013
WKO: Better Framework Conditions for SMEs
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with between 10 to 249 persons employed, are a driver of the European economy, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. WKO calls for better framework conditions for SMEs.
November 26, 2013
Leitl Rejects Further Bank Taxes
Christoph Leitl, president of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO), rejects the Finance Ministry’s plan to impose further taxes on Austrian banks in order to decrease public debts.
November 6, 2013
Austria: Compulsory Levy on Assets Simply “Out of Question“
Top bankers and economists in Austria consider the compulsory levy of ten percent on household assets “out of question” and “ludicrous”.
November 5, 2013
Higher Cost Pressure for Austrian Banking Industry
Due to national and international regulations, Austrian banks have to bear higher costs than their foreign competitors.
October 31, 2013
Eurozone: Economy Starting to Grow
Experts at Ernst&Young; forecast economic growth of 0.9 percent in 2014 in consequence of an improved global economic performance.
October 21, 2013
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