Record attendance at Austria’s largest internationalization event – increased need for information due to geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds
Vienna (OTS) – Austria is an export country: More than 1.2 million jobs depend on the success of domestic companies on international markets. According to forecasts, domestic exports of goods and services are expected to exceed the threshold of 300 billion euros by 2025.
Despite the outstanding performance, the pressure on the previously stable export economy is increasing: on the one hand, increased energy, personnel and bureaucracy costs at home are weighing on the economy, while on the other hand, geopolitical developments – from wars to trade conflicts to increased protectionism – are driving inflation and putting a brake on innovation.
Export Day is a day of opportunities, innovations and similarities
The correct assessment of geopolitical developments and their effects on sales, locations, markets and supply chains are becoming increasingly important in order to improve business planning even in uncertain times.
“Export Day is a day of opportunities, innovations and similarities. You can only be successful in the export sector if you tackle challenges together. Entrepreneurs make the difference when it comes to tackling what is currently the most difficult conditions when they and their teams dare to take the leap beyond national borders into uncertain markets. All export companies must be congratulated and thanked for this achievement. In doing so, they provide and generate a great deal of social security and prosperity for Austria and the population as a whole. The AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA network is available to you,” explained WKÖ President Harald Mahrer.
“More than 1.2 million jobs depend on the success of the export industry. It is therefore our goal to create the best possible conditions for our export industry, especially in times of change. We support the domestic export industry with programs such as our internationalization offensive go-international, strategic agreements with target and partner countries as well as continually improving location conditions,” said Economics and Labor Minister Martin Kocher.
27,000 consultations for export companies in the first half of the year
The uncertain global environment has increased companies’ need for information and advice. Accordingly, AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, the internationalization and innovation agency of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), is recording an increase in its services. In the first half of the year, local companies benefited from the expertise of the foreign trade centers in around 27,000 individual consultations. This means that the high level of last year was maintained. In addition, the 22nd edition of the Export Day set a new record number of participants with more than 3,000 registrations.
The WKÖ identifies growth opportunities for the export economy in Southeast Asia. But growth markets such as Mexico, Brazil or in the Gulf region and Central Asia also promise exciting new success stories. AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA is also focusing on Japan, whose economy will receive a boost from the EXPO, which will take place in Osaka in 2025. In order to make the best possible use of the opportunities, the “Road to EXPO” initiative was launched last year. (www.wko.at/road-to-expo)
AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA also sees potential in the export activities of small companies and EPU. Around a quarter of the Austrian EPU already does business abroad. The export day therefore had its own focus with the “EPU cockpit”.
Top-class program with top speakers at Export Day
At the Export Day, Austria’s export industry had the opportunity to exchange ideas with around 100 international experts from politics, business and science. The agenda included lectures and workshops on exports, internationalization and geopolitics as well as trends and innovation from all over the world.
The highlights included the keynote speech by the international psychologist and traumatologist Anjhula Mya Singh Baisthe global economic outlook Petya Koeva Books from the International Monetary Fund and the discussion with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol.
In the area of innovation and global trends, the former NASA astronaut and entrepreneur provided inspiration, among others Scott Parazynski, the international media entrepreneur Tyler Brûlé or Claudia Olsson, CEO of Stellar Capacity, a company specializing in digital skills and future-oriented leadership. (PWK227/ST)
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Questions & Contact:
Sonja Horner
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Presidential Spokesperson
T 0590900 4462
It mocks.horner@wko.at
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