20 - 21 November 2011
Palais Niederösterreich
Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna
For the 8th time, President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva had the great pleasure to welcome in the wonderful location of Palais Niederösterreich around 400 participants from 32 countries throughout the world and from eight international organisations to Vienna Economic Forum under the heading “The Economy as an Engine of the Regional Development”.
Vienna Economic Forum, this year granted with the status of International Non-Governmental Organisation, has once again obtained great recognition due to its constantly increasing activities to support the regional economy, its choice of hot topics and its organisation of several Vienna Economic Talks for countries of the region.
Dr. Erhard Busek, Former Vice Chancellor of Austria and President of Vienna Economic Forum, emphasized the opportunities of the EU-Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and reiterated the necessity of cooperation and harmonization of Southeast European countries in order to develop the long-term projects of the strategy.
In her welcome address, Dr. Elena Kirtcheva underlined the role of the 8th Vienna Economic Forum as a milestone when many states of the region have to face the challenges of a highly difficult and uncertain business environment. In times when European integration is called in question, she is convinced that the willingness of all regional actors to intensify their cooperation for economic development is of the utmost importance. Therefore Vienna Economic Forum has the clear objective to pay close attention to the interests and the potential of economic development in the region of Vienna Economic Forum – extended to the countries along the river Danube and the Black Sea region – and continue to actively work towards those goals. European countries, both EU and non-EU-Members, are more and more being regarded as sub-regions, which enables Vienna Economic Forum to offer new horizons to its members and partners.
When H.E. Mr. Werner Faymann, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, opened the Austrian “Mini-Davos” for Southeast European Countries for the third time, he pointed out the importance of cooperation in the region and praised the positive and concrete results that can be achieved during and with the help of Vienna Economic Forum – a tradition he expects to keep up in the coming years.
Dr. Herbert Stepic, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, presented in a very insightful manner the consequences of the worldwide economic crisis, the perspectives of the region, and ways of acting to shape the future of Southeast Europe.
In the main statement of the second plenary session, H.E. Reinhold Mitterlehner, Federal Minister of Economy, Family and Youth of Austria, presented ways of developing the region with the help of the EU-Strategy for the Danube Region.
It was an honour for Vienna Economic Forum to welcome H.E. Mr. Nikola Gruevski, President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, as well as:
H.E. Prof. Dr. Vujica Lazovic, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro
H.E. Dr. Liliyana Pavlova, Minister for Regional Development of the Republic of Bulgaria
Ms. Andreja Jerina, State Secretary for Development and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
Mr. Domagoj Juricic, State Secretary for Investment of the Republic of Croatia
Ms. Dragijana Radonjic Petrovic, State Secretary for Regional Development and Entrepreneurship Promotion of the Republic of Serbia
Mr. Dorin Dragutanu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Member of the Governors Committee of Vienna Economic Forum
Mr. Bojidar Danev, President, Industrial Association of the Republic of Bulgaria, Member of the Committee of the President of the Economic Chambers of Vienna Economic Forum
Ms. Daria Krsticevic, Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Croatia
Ms. Daniela Paul, Counsellor in the Foreign Relations Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania
Beside our honourable VIP-Guests, Presidents of Government, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers from the Member countries, high ranking representatives from the following international institutions were present:
· Energy Community Secretariat,
· European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD),
· European Investment Bank (EIB),
· International Finance Corporation (IFC),
· Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),
· Regional Cooperation Council (RCC),
· World Bank,
· United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The following partner organisations of Vienna Economic Forum were present:
· Southeast European CooperativeInitiative (SECI),
· The Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK),
· Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM),
· EastEuroCo Executive Search Group, Budapest,
· Federation of Austrian Industries (IV),
· Business Advisory Council for Southeast Europe (BAC), Thessaloniki,
· European Center for Environmental Economy (ECEE), Sofia,
· Organisation for international Economic Relations (OiER)
We are glad to announce that the 9th Vienna Economic Forum will take place on 19 November 2012, in the splendid Palais Niederösterreich, Vienna.
Vienna Economic Awards 2011 “For Contribution to the economic development
at a national and regional level in the countries of Vienna Economic Forum”
In the traditional Annual Award Ceremony, Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva announced the winners of the year 2011:
At a national level and as representative of the Austrian Government:
H.E. Dr. Reinhold Mitterlehner, Federal Minister of Economy, Family and Youth of Austria and co-organizer of the 8th Vienna Economic Forum
At a regional level:
H.E. Dr. Erwin Pröll, Governor of the Province of Upper Austria and long-term partner and supporter of Vienna Economic Forum
Members of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum who have contributed to further economic development for the region by their outstanding commitment:
Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, Chief Executive Officer, Novomatic AG, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum
Mr. Stefan Szyszkowitz, Member of the Board, EVN AG Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum
High Representative of a Member State:
H.E. Mr. Nikola Gruevski, President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Patron of Vienna Economic Forum
Welcome Cocktail
8th Vienna Economic Forum
Gala Dinner
Stepic - Video
Vienna Economic Forum thanks its partners for their support of our 8th Vienna Economic Forum (in alphabetical order):
Bären Industrie Batterie GmbH, Austria
Donau Versicherung AG – Vienna Insurance Group
Dunav Tours, Bulgaria
E-Control
Erste Bank - Private Banking, Austria
EVN AG
Federal Ministry for Economy, Family and Youth of the Republic of Austria (BMWFJ)
Federation of Austrian Industries
Mtel, Bulgaria
Niederösterreich - Province of Lower Austria
Palais Niederösterreich
Renovatio
TJP – Advisory & Management Services GmbH
Via Expo, Bulgaria
24-25 October 2011
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Economic Forum organized on 24-25 October 2011 a “Special Edition - Meet Kosovo in Vienna” in the ever more popular format of Vienna Economic Talks in cooperation with the government of the Republic of Kosovo.
The first day of this conference was held at Studio 44 of Austrian Lotteries, and the second day at the ceremonial hall of Raiffeisen Zentralbank.
The high level Kosovar delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum H.E. Hashim Thaçi comprised the First Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Behgjet Pacolli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry H.E. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Economic Development H.E. Besim Beqaj as well as the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning H.E. Dardan Gashi.
Dr. Erhard Busek, President of Vienna Economic Forum, and Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General, had the pleasure to welcome approximately 170 participants from twelve states (Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Palestine, Serbia, and Zambia).
The following topics were covered in “Vienna Economic Talks - Meet Kosovo in Vienna”:
· Business and Investment Climate in Kosovo
· Investment Opportunities in Kosovo - Know-How for a Better Climate
· Experiences of Foreign Investors and Organisations in Kosovo
A great number of companies such as Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Siemens AG, Uniqa Versicherungen AG, Vienna Insurance Group, Ame International GmbH, Hulla&Co Human Dynamics, smart technologies, Faa Holding, Fertgas GmbH, which are already operating successfully in Kosovo, participated in this conference.
Kosovo is characterised by its young, educated and motivated population. Attractive labour costs, the Euro as the official currency as well as free access to the markets of the EU and USA are the prerequisites for an increased interest to further invest in Kosovo.
Interesting Statements and discussions about the reform of the legal system and its adjustment to EU legislation, low taxation and the government’s efforts to facilitate foreign direct investment, led to numerous contacts and business of pragmatic character, to which all participants contributed actively.
Vienna Economic Forum would like to thank all its members for the active participation at “Vienna Economic Talks - Meet Kosovo in Vienna”, especially Ame International GmbH, Casinos Austria AG, Österreichische Lotterien GmbH, Raiffeisen Bank International AG.
22-23 May 2011 in Istanbul, Türkei
With support of Enerjisa Group, Turkey
Vienna Economic Forum is happy to inform our members and partners that on 22-23 May already for the second time Vienna Economic Talks - Istanbul Meeting was organized. The event was supported by Enerjisa Group, Turkey, Joint Venture of Verbund.
The high-ranking delegation of Vienna Economic Forum was led by President Dr. Erhard Busek, Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Dkfm. Karl Fink, Vice-President of Vienna Economic Forum, General Manager, Vienna Insurance Group and DI Gunter Kappacher, Director of the Board, Siemens AG Austria, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, and consistet of about 20 participants from Austria who together with the other participants from 14 countries of the region contributed to the highly qualitative meeting.
Topics of Vienna Economic Talks - Istanbul Meeting were
- The Economy as an Engine for the Development of the Austrian-Turkish Relations
- The Economy as an Engine for Development of Cooperation in different Sectors in the Countries from the Region of Vienna Economic Forum
- Turkish and CEE Energy 2023 – Building Bridges for Regional and Local Needs
Energy is an important topic for the Austrian-Turkish relations and several Austrian companies, members of Vienna Economic Forum, have been active in this area in Turkey: Siemens AG Austria, Verbund and its subsidiary Enerjisa Group, OMV AG, EVN AG. Furthermore Vienna Insurance Group with its subsidiary Ray Sigorta A.S. and Freshfields Bruckhaus-Deringer LLP, represented byDr. Willibald Plesser, who could also report about his long experience in Turkey.
Numerous other international partners of Vienna Economic Forum, with whom there is a Memorandum of Understanding gibt, were represented: Prof.Dr. Sedefhan Öguz - Marmara Group, F. Sadi Gücüm, Cafer Sait Okray and Nurlu Esemenli, ADBA, Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), Prof. Dr. Vlavianos Arvanitis - Biopolitics International, Athens.
The representative of the Kosovo Minister of Economic Development Mr. Herr Frymezim Isufaj pointed out that the participation of so many distinguished leaders will strengthen international cooperation in all spheres of economic growth and promote a sustainable global development in the region.
Vienna Economic Forum thanks especially H.E. Dr. Heidemaria Gürer, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in Turkey, and General Consul Dr. Paul Jenewein for their hospitality, to organize the First Festive Plenary Session in the location of the Austrian Consulate in Istanbul, Palais Yeniköy.
Vienna Economic Talks – Istanbul Meeting was a timely and thought provoking initiative, stimulating new ideas and strategies and Vienna Economic Forum is looking forward to a continuation of the exchange of experience next year in Vienna. Together with DEIK (Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey) Vienna Economic Forum plans the next step - „Vienna Economic Talks – Meet Turkey in Vienna“ in April 2012, which will concentrate on Turkey and its important role for the economic and regional cooperation.
Vienna Economic Forum thanks the sponsors of Vienna Economic Talks - Istanbul Meeting:
Media partners:
8-9 November 2010
Raiffeisen Zentral Bank, Am Stadtpark 9, 1030 Vienna
STABLE ECONOMY – CHALLENGE AND RESPONSIBILITY
***
ENERGY ON THE ROAD TO EUROPE.
VISIONS OF THE DECISION MAKERS: CHALLENGES FOR THE COUNTRIES FROM THE REGION
8-9 November 2010 Raiffeisen Zentral Bank, Am Stadtpark 9, 1030 Vienna
At this year’s 7th Vienna Economic Forum on November 8 and 9, 2010 President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva had the great pleasure to welcome around 570 participants from 44 countries throughout the world and from 15 international organisations.
Dr. Erhard Busek, Former Vice Chancellor of Austria and President of Vienna Economic Forum underlined the necessity of regional cooperation for the countries of South-Eastern Europe for the future progress of the region and was pleased about the high level of guests and speakers from the region to the Forum.
Dr. Elena Kirtcheva underlined in her Welcome Adress that the economy is not only able to explore the market, make investments and support relations, but it also contributes to the ability to make visible the common features of a region in order to prepare it to the commonness of Europe.
It was an honour for Vienna Economic Forum to welcome H.E. Mr. Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine at the official opening of the forum.
Dr. Herbert Stepic, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum underlined the efforts of Raiffeisen Bank International AG in Ukraine and their future willingness for further investment and good common basis of both sides.
An Opening Message was given by H.E. the Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann, who pointed out the importance of a close cooperation with Ukraine on a political and economic level and the already existing cooperation with the Austrian economy.
H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Mykola Azarov delivered a speech on the economic challenges of Ukraine in recent years and solutions and methods for further economic progress. A key point for Ukraine is high investments in the infrastructure. He especially pronounced that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with Europe in joint projects, giving concrete examples like the construction of the Chop-Lviv highway.
Ministers from the Region participating in the 7th Vienna Economic Forum were:
H.E. Dr. Vujica LAZOVIC, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System of Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Vladimir PESHEVSKI, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Traicho TRAIKOV, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Mykola V. Prysiazhniuk, Minister for Agrarian Policy of Ukraine
as well as Deputy Ministers from the region:
Dr. Enno BOZDO, Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy of the Republic of Albania
Mr. Octavian CALMÎC, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Moldova
Volodymyr V. KORNIYENKO, Deputy Minister for Traffic and Communication of Ukraine
Viktor A. MAYKO, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Mr. Oleksiy PSHENYCHKA, Deputy Minister of Coal Industry of Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Traicho Traikov, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, was heading a large Bulgarian delegation to Austria for talks. He was accompanied by the head of the InvestBulgaria Agency, Mr. Borislav Stefanov who also participated in the 7th Vienna Economic Forum.
Beside our honourable VIP-Guests, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers from our Member countries also high ranking representatives from Business Advisory Council for Southeast Europe/BACSEE) , Biopolitics International, Energy Community Secretariat, European Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Center for Environmental Economy (ECEE), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), The World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) United Nations Industrial Development Organization and more took part in the meeting.
Vienna Economic Awards 2010
Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva underlined the great development of the regional economy which seems to be a basic demand, but it needs a unified – and our common energy in order to make it possible.
This is without doubt an achievement of all high representatives of the Forum, but especially of the Members of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, who have contributed with personal engagement as founding members and as cooperation partners of Vienna Economic Forum. Without these personalities we would not have enjoyed the fulfilling pleasure about the great success of our Forum so far.
Vienna Economic Forum also appreciates the relations to the representatives of the governments of the region with whom the cooperation and support in development in the region on a national and regional level makes a significant contribution.
On this occasion in this year Vienna Economic Forum awarded the yearly prize for the „Contribution to the economic development on a national and regional level in the countries of Vienna Economic Forum” to:
Mr. Karl FINK, Member of the Board, Vienna Insurance Group, Founding Member and Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum
Dr. Friedhelm BOSCHERT, President of the Board, Volksbank International AG, Austria, Finance Director and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum
H.E. Dr. Vujica LAZOVIC, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System of Montenegro – nominated for the first time by the Board of Vienna Economic Forum as foreign awardee
H.E. Mr. Bojko BORISSOV, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria nominated for the first time by the Board of Vienna Economic Forum as foreign awardee
Partners with whom Vienna Economic Forum has a Memorandum of Understanding were represented in the 7th Vienna Economic Forum:
Dr. Akkan Suver, President of Marmara Foundation, Turkey
Mr. F. Sadi Gücüm, Chairman, (DEİK) THE FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS BOARD OF TURKEY, Executive Director, Cukurova Holding A.S., Turkey
Dr. Milan Parivodic, Chairman of Foreign Investors Services d.o.o., Serbia
Mr. Sándor Söpkéz, Head of EastEuroCo Executive Search Group, Hungary
Dr. Barbara Kolm, Secretary General, F.A.v. Hayek Institut, Austria
During the 7th Vienna Economic Forum ceremonies of signing the Memorandum of Understanding were held between
- BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE located in Athens and VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM
- BIOPOLITICS INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION located in Athens and VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM
Vienna Economic Forum thanks the main sponsors of the 7th annual Vienna Economic Forum (in alphabetical order):
Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth
Bären Batterie GmbH
Federation of Austrian Industries
Hotel Sacher
Novomatic AG
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
RZB Group
Siemens AG Österreich
Vienna Insurance Group
Volksbank International
Wolf Theiss
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