Austria’s economy depends on foreign trade to a considerable extent.
Exports cover almost 60% of the country’s economic performance and
secure more than one in two jobs. Our businesses exported goods
valued at € 117 billion in 2008, a growth of 2.3% over the previous
year. Yet, in November and December 2008, the global credit crunch
also affected Austria’s external economic relations. Exports were down
by 14.3% over November 2007 and by 7.6% over December 2007. As
a consequence, the export sector is faced with a major challenge in
2009.
Starting in April 2009, the strategic investment drive will be increased
to € 25 million per year as part of the government’s first economic
booster package. The object is to promote domestic exports of goods
and services as well as foreign investment also in difficult economic
times. Already between 2003 and 2007, € 50 million had been set
aside for a large-scale package of economic measures; and another €
17 million were made available between January 2008 and March
2009.
In the present economic climate, it is of the essence to send a signal
to exporting businesses that demonstrates the vigorous support
extended by the state. Austria Export, the signboard of Austrian
businesses, contributes to this end. The manual describes the most
successful exporters in Austria together with their products and
product ranges, thus helping forward-looking companies to establish
valuable contacts and boost their exports.
Dr. Reinhold Mitterlehner
Federal Minister of Economy, Family and Youth
