The ReFocus Austria campaign, part of the Austrian government’s recovery plan, was launched today in Vienna. The launch event was hosted by Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Together with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Vice-President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce Martha Schultz and an audience of high-level personalities from the worlds of politics and business, Alexander Schallenberg kick-started the biggest global programme of support ever provided to Austrian companies. Explaining the rationale behind the campaign, Foreign Minister Schallenberg said:
We saw clearly that our response to these extraordinary times would require an extraordinary effort, a joint effort by every member of ‘Team Austria’, from the Chancellery to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the National Tourist Office, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and a host of other individuals and organisations.
Between now and July 2022, a series of specially designed events will be held at more than 100 Austrian overseas representations across five continents. The aim is to consolidate Austria’s position as a location for business and tourism as it emerges from the COVID-19 crisis.
As Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz explained:
The Federal Government’s top priority is to do everything in our power to kick-start economic growth and get as many people as possible back to work, and potentially to reach an even higher level than the one we were at before the crisis hit.
All over the world, the “made in Austria” label is synonymous with quality and reliability, as well as world-class design, engineering and craftsmanship. The ReFocus Austria events, which will be tailored to local circumstances and comply with all applicable COVID-19 restrictions, will concentrate on the four core pillars of the Austrian economy: innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and tourism.
Martha Schutz, Vice-President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, was keen to stress the link between diplomacy and support for Austrian businesses:
We are delighted that ReFocus Austria is up and running. We now have a joint international campaign that will use the tools of economic diplomacy, our overseas representations and our trade bodies abroad to open up new opportunities for Austrian firms on international markets,
she said.
Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Foreign Minister Schallenberg and other high-ranking Austrian representatives will take part in as many events as possible during the campaign. Their presence will serve to emphasise that the Austrian government stands fully behind Austria’s economic recovery and is a reliable partner for domestic firms.
