WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce
Vietnamese Business Delegation in Vienna
The Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, and a high-ranking business delegation recently attended a business forum in Vienna with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) Vice-President Richard Schenz. The forum included discussions about the dynamic Vietnamese economy and why it is an ideal location for Austrian companies and investors to diversify in Asia.
September 22, 2021
"Made in Austria": Ambassadors to Serve as Export Promoters
The Austrian government is calling on its diplomats around the world to promote Austria's export and tourism industries abroad to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis. At the opening event of "ReFocus Austria", Chancellor Kurz, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and Vice-President of the Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) Martha Schultz laid out the government's plan. Read about "ReFocus Austria," what these officials said about it, and watch the video of the opening event.
September 10, 2021
Where to Get a Paid Corona Test in Vienna
Vienna offers many COVID-19 testing options, both free and paid. Read about where to get paid PCR-tests, antigen tests, and or antibody tests for the coronavirus in Vienna.
August 4, 2021
Taiwan and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations
The relations between Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), and Austria are developing stably despite the current tensions in the South China Sea.
June 1, 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
Eurochambres President Leitl: Focus on Digital Skills, Education and Qualification
At a meeting with EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, the Austrian Eurochambres head, Christoph Leitl, and Austrian Chairwoman of the Eurochambres Women Network, Martha Schultz, demanded focus on digital skills, education and qualification of the EU education program Erasmus+ for European reconstruction.
April 21, 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
Austrian Companies Develop Innovations for Africa
On the occasion of the "Africa Innovation Challenge 2021" organized by Advantage Austria - Aussenwirtschaft Austria, several Austrian companies have developed innovative solutions to solve societal challenges in Africa's dynamic markets. At the World Summit Award (WSA), five projects have been selected champions by an international jury.
April 19, 2021
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
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