ICONANNUAL

Austrian Federal Economic Chamber
Foreword
Dr. Christoph Leitl
President Austrian Federal Economic Chamber
iconvienna - A Fabulous Platform
for Knowledge Transfer
and International Networking
Over the last couple of years, iconvienna has
become a true trademark for transnational
meetings between leading decision-makers in
the fields of business, politics and science. Therefore, I am
sincerely pleased that this high-level platform for both
professional networking and intercultural understanding
is taking place in Vienna for the 10th time and I am proud
that this prestigious event is taking place at the premises
of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
Events as iconvienna underline Austria’s importance as a
meeting place specifically for companies and institutions
from the Central and Southeastern European region,
thus demonstrating our country’s outstanding ability to
facilitate international business and social contacts.
The Danube Region is not only historically of vital
importance for Austria but has become one of our major
business partners over the last couple of years, be it either
as destination for our goods and services or as a location
for production facilities and subsidiaries. In almost every
country in the region, Austria is one of the leading foreign
investors. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia, for
instance, Austria is ranked as the number one investor.
Our companies engage in a vast variety of business
activities, ranging from retailing or oil industry to
financial and transportation services, along with
professional services such as legal or tax consulting.
Austrian production lines are found throughout all
industry sectors.
The main issues stressed within the scope of iconvienna
are of paramount importance for further growth
and development of the entire region. These include
for example innovation in communal policy, the
strengthening of regional cooperation and associated
matters of financing.
Therefore I am convinced that iconvienna’s secret to
success does not only lie in qualitative and up-to-date
knowledge transfer, but also in its attractive supporting
program. The platform strongly encourages the exchange
of ideas and experience between its international
participants. In this regard, the slogan of the event
“Make Contacts to Contracts” should be taken seriously
and motivate everyone to build and grow professional
networks and subsequently realize tangible business cooperations.
iconannual - The European Business and Investment Magazine
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