ICONANNUAL

United States of America
Greetings
H. E. Mrs. Alexa Wesner
Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria
Congratulations on your
10th anniversary, iconvienna!
Throughout the past decade we have seen the global
marketplace change considerably. Globalization,
new technologies and new business models
have accelerated the pace of change and innovation. At
the same time environmental issues have become an
increasingly important part of the international trade
agenda. iconvienna has been and remains a vital platform
for exchanging ideas and best practices in scores of
business fields.
While many things have changed, transatlantic
cooperation remains the foundation of our prosperity.
At his State of the Union Address in January, President
Barack Obama, underlined the significance of the
transatlantic alliance as being “the strongest the world
has ever known.” Indeed, during our sixty year-long
partnership the United States and Europe have shaped
the international economic system. The figures of this
partnership are remarkable: $2.6 billion dollars’ worth of
goods and services flowing between the U.S. and Europe
each day; investments of nearly $4 trillion in each other’s
economies; more than 13 million people owing their jobs
to the transatlantic economic relationship.
We have created strong rules and institutions to govern
international trade, investment and finance.
Photo © Vorname Nachname
These rules and institutions laid the groundwork for
generations to not only enjoy prosperity, but also peace
and security.
Nevertheless there is a lot to be done, which is why the
United States launched the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership in 2013. We are convinced that a
wide-ranging transatlantic agreement would be a strong
driver of mutual job creation and growth. At the same
time we agree with our European partners that trade and
environmental policies must be mutually supportive to
ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our planet.
Balancing economic growth and environmental
protection can be challenging, especially in times
of financial cutbacks. However it is also a great
opportunity for businesses to respond by innovating.
As a serial entrepreneur, I am pleased to see this year’s
iconvienna summit focusing on innovation. America has
traditionally been a country that empowers the inventor
and the innovator. This entrepreneurship has promoted
our prosperity in the global economy, but also bonded us
to the economic success of partner countries around the
world, including Austria.
iconannual - The European Business and Investment Magazine
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