Intensive discussions about the future in the premises of Vienna Economic Forum
The Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum Hermann ANDERL, the new Managing Director of CANON AUSTRIA and his successor as Managing Director of CANON CEE (Central Eastern Europe) Wilbert VERHEIJEN met on 13 December 2019 in the premises of Vienna Economic Forum with the Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva to discuss future collaboration over the next few years. Ideas and possibilities for further development of the excellent cooperation were discussed in a very friendly atmosphere and the planned VEF activities in 2020 were coordinated.
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Working visit of Mr. Kaan Savul, Chief Marketing Officer, nd Group B.V. and Ambassador Skender Xhakaliu, Business Development Europe, Ecolog Germany GmbH
At a constructive meeting held on June 13, 2019, Mr. Kaan Savul, Chief Marketing Officer, nd Group B.V., Ambassador Skender Xhakaliu, Business Development Europe, Ecolog Germany GmbH and Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary-General of Vienna Economic Forum, discussed the possibilities of intensified cooperation through concrete projects.
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Communion (Iftar) on the occasion of the month of fasting Ramadan
At the invitation of Mr. Ahmet Mesut Ersoy, Chairman of the Management Board, CEO, DenizBank AG and Member of the Board of the Vienna Economic Forum, Secretary General of the Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva participated in the traditional Lord's Supper (Iftar) on May 10, 2019, on the occasion of the month of fasting Ramadan.
In their Welcome Words, the host Mr. Ahmet Mesut Ersoy and H.E. Mr Ümit Jardim, Ambassador of Turkey spoke about the importance of the festive dinner for the human values friendship, coherence, solidarity.
The national music of a small orchestra has contributed to the friendly and pleasant atmosphere.
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Vienna Economic Forum - Working lunch with the President of the "Invest in Turkey" Agency with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Ümit Yardim
The President of the "Invest in Turkey" Agency Mr. Arda Ermut, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, has taken the initiative for a working lunch organized by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Austria, H.E. Mr. Ümit Yardim and Vienna Economic Forum on 28. March, 2019.
In a constructive and pleasant working atmosphere, the VEF President DI Dr. Günther Rabensteiner, VEF Vice President and Member of the Management Board of Österreichische Post, DI Peter Umundum, Dr. Ing. Willibald Plesser, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, VEF Board Member, Mr. Antonio Foresti and Ms. Alessandra Foresti, CEO, JCOPLASTIC SpA, Industria Conteniori Platici, Italy, Member of the Vienna Economic Forum and other Austrian investors discussed the further development of economic relations between agents the Austrian and Turkish economy. More information under the following link.
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H.E. Mag. Nenad Kolev, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia for an inaugural visit to Vienna Economic Forum
During an inaugural visit on 27. March 2019, H.E. Mag. Nenad Kolev, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia, and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, discussed further intensive cooperation in view of the upcoming Vienna Economic Talks - New Perspectives for the Republic of North Macedonia on 20 May 2019 in Vienna.
Vienna Economic Forum is pleased to welcome H.E. Ambassador Mag. Nenad Kolev, as a new member of the Ambassadors Committee of Vienna Economic Forum.
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Journalists from Moldova visit Vienna Economic Forum
On 26. March 2019, journalists from Moldova visited Vienna Economic Forum. The meeting with Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva was organized by Ambassador Andrei Popov, who, as a former Ambassador of Moldova in Austria himself, has been active in the Vienna Economic Forum.
The topic of the discussion was the activities of VEF in all VEF member countries and the real possibility to promote joint regional cooperation by supporting economic development in each country.
Vienna Economic Forum organized Vienna Economic Talks - Chisinau Meeting for the first time on 24-25 June 2010 and for the second time held Vienna Economic Talks - Chisinau Meeting 2014, on 10-11 June 2014, in cooperation with the European Commission. The results of these activities include numerous effective participations of VEF members in various sectors of the Moldovan economy - health, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport, banking.
The many questions from the journalists and the intensive discussion once again showed the great potential of further cooperation with Moldova, especially in the economic sector.
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Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation received "The Medal of Merit" from H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, President of the Republic of North Macedonia
Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation, a long-time strategic partner of Vienna Economic Forum and Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul, received “The Medal of Merit” due to his peace studies and the relationship established in the area of civil society between Macedonia and Turkey.
Vienna Economic Forum congratulates Dr. Akkan Suver and Marmara Foundation and wishes all the best for the future!
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General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum on 18 March 2019
The annual Ordinary General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum took place on 18 March 2019.
DI Dr. Georg Pölzl, CEO, Österreichische Post AG and VEF Honorary Member welcomed the attendees in the beautiful premises of the new headquarters of the Austrian Post.
The host DI Peter Umundum, Member of the Board, Österreichische Post AG, and Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum in his opening speech spoke about the current and planned activities of Österreichische Post AG and explained the significant cooperation with Vienna Economic Forum and the Countries of the VEF region.
In a detailed report, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum informed about the activities of Vienna Economic Forum in 2018 and the planned events in 2019.
Chaired by the President, DI Dr. Günther Rabensteiner, the following new members have been confirmed by the General Assembly:
New board members co-opted:
- Mag. Thomas Arnoldner, CEO, A1 Telekom Austria Group
- Dr. Kurt Gollowitzer, CEO, Wien Holding GmbH
- DI Wolfgang Viehauser, M.Sc., Chief Operating Officer and Spokesman of the Management Board, HYPO NOE Gruppe Bank AG
- Dr. Stephan Pachinger, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
New Members of Vienna Economic Forum:
- Municipal Guarantee Fund – Sofia as a Member - legal entity from 2019
- Bulgarkontrola S.A., Sofia as a Member - legal entity from 2019
- bit media e-solutions GmbH, member of eee group as a Member - legal entity from 2019
- Jcoplastic S.p.A., Italy as a Member - legal entity from 2019
- Ms. Irina Yordanova as a Member - natural person from 2019
New members in the Ambassadors Committee:
- H.E. Dr. Kemal Kozaric, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- H.E. Mr. Ümit Yardım, Ambassador of Turkey
- H.E. Mr. Nenad Kolev, Ambassador of North Macedonia
New members in the Honorary Committee
- Mr. Aki Nuredini, very reputable and close friend especially of the Balkan Countries, as well as a long-time supporter of Vienna Economic Forum – Activities
- Dr. Franz Kosyna, VEF companion for many years, Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager, Kooperativa, Vienna Insurance Group
Following this year's general meeting, Österreichische Post AG, together with the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, invited to a Cocktail Reception.
The team of Vienna Economic Forum would like to thank all Members and Partners for their excellent support of the numerous activities of VEF in Austria and abroad in the year 2018 and for their constant trust! The success story of this development motivates us further to conquer new horizons!
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Lecture by Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, in front of the members of the Rotary Club "Wien-Graben"
As part of the regular lectures of the Rotary Club "Wien-Graben", the Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva was invited as a speaker.
The lecture on the topic: "Regional Economy and Politics in the Balkans - Challenges for Europe?" took place on 16 March 2019 at the renowned Hotel "Imperial" in the heart of the city of Vienna. The Secretary-General spoke about the positive economic development of the Balkan countries, which are all VEF member countries. In particular, the importance of the entire Balkan region for the crucial role of United Europe as a global player was emphasized.
The event was held in a very friendly and pleasant atmosphere.
From left to right: Dr. Monika Lindner, Rotary Club Wien Graben, Botschafterin a.D. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, DI.Mag. Wolfgang Kalny, Präsident, Rotary Club Wien Graben
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Vienna Economic Forum congratulates Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation for receiving the Outstanding Service Medal
The International Foundation for Sustainable Peace and Development, based in Sofia, a Strategic Partner of Vienna Economic Forum, honored the longtime Strategic Partner of Vienna Economic Forum, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul and the President of the Marmara Group Foundation, Dr. Akkan Suver, with the Outstanding Service Medal.
At a festive medal awarding ceremony, attended by Turkish Deputy Minister Yavuz Selim Kıran, Dr. Akkan Suver thanked Prof. Dr. Dimitar Kostov.
The medal is awarded to Dr. Akkan Suver for the outstanding contribution to peace, stability and dialogue in the Balkans.
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Courtesy visit of the new Ambassador of Turkey H.E. Mr. Ümit Yardim to VEF
The new Ambassador of Turkey, H.E. Ümit Yardim, on 19 February 2019 paid a courtesy visit to Vienna Economic Forum. In an intensive discussion with Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, possibilities and parameters of an even more intensive cooperation with the Embassy and with the VEF founding country Turkey were discussed. H.E. Ambassador Ümit Yardim joins the VEF Ambassadors Committee in the place of his predecessor and has received the Vienna Economic Forum decoration with pleasure.
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Ordinary Board Meeting of Vienna Economic Forum on 11 February 2019
The annual Ordinary Board Meeting of Vienna Economic Forum took place on 11 February 2019 in the premises of the A1 Telekom Austria Group.
The host Mag. Thomas Arnoldner, CEO of the A1 Telekom Austria Group welcomed the attendees, spoke about the current and planned activities of the A1 Telekom Austria Group and explained the significant cooperation with the Vienna Economic Forum and the countries of the VEF region.
Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva reported on the VEF activities in a very successful year for the Vienna Economic Forum, 2018 and informed the Members of the Board about the planned events in 2019.
Chaired by the VEF President DI Dr. Günther Rabensteiner, the following resolutions were passed, to be proposed to the General Assembly, to make the following decisions:
To co-opt as new Board Members:
- Thomas Arnoldner, CEO, A1 Telekom Austria Group
- Dr. Kurt Gollowitzer, CEO, Wien Holding GmbH
- DI Wolfgang Viehauser, M.Sc., Board member of the Market Divisions and Spokesman of the Management Board, HYPO NOE Group Bank AG
New members of the Ambassadors Committee:
- S.E. Dr. Kemal Kozaric, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- S.E. Mr. Ümit Yardım, Ambassador of Turkey
New members of the Honorary Committee:
- Mr. Aki Nuredini, Cultural Doyen, active supporter of the Vienna Economic Forum and the VEF member countries
- Dr. Franz Kosyna, Vienna Insurance Group, long-time active supporter of VEF activities
The Board unanimously elected the following as new members of Vienna Economic Forum:
- Municipal Guarantee Fund - Sofia as a Member - Legal entity from 2019
- Bulgarkontrola S.A., Sofia as a member - Legal entity from 2019
- Ms. Irina Yordanova as Member - Natural person from 2019
Following the meeting, in an informal atmosphere at a cocktail reception, the Members of the Board had the opportunity to discuss various possibilities and ideas for further cooperation in the Vienna Economic Forum region.
The Annual General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum will take place on 18 March 2019 at the headquarters of the Österreichische Post AG in Vienna.
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Active participation of Vienna Economic Forum in the 22nd Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul
Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General and Member of the Board of the Vienna Economic Forum and Dr. Erhard Busek, Honorary President of Vienna Economic Forum and former Vice-Chancellor of Austria (1991-1995), actively participated in the 22st Eurasian Economic Summit on 6 and 7 February 2019 in Istanbul.
Upon the invitation of Dr. Akkan Suver, President of Marmara Group's Strategic and Social Research Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva in her speech "Resposibility for the Future", emphasized the shared responsibility of the representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Vienna Economic Forum and the Marmara Strategic Group and Social Research Foundation are long-term strategic partners and are dedicated with various activities to better economic and political cooperation in the Balkans, Europe and Eurasia.
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Festive evening in Novomatic Forum on the occasion of the assumption of the EU Presidency by Romania in the first half of the year 2019
On the occasion of Romania's taking over the EU Presidency in the first half of 2019, H.E. Mr. Bogdan Mazuru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania in Austria and member of the VEF Ambassadors Committee, invited to a festive evening. The event took place in the Novomatic Forum, with host Mag. Harald Neumann, CEO of Novomatic AG, Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum and Honorary Consul of Romania with Consular district of Lower Austria.
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Working meeting with H.E. Mr. Sherzod Asadov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan
The Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva and Mag. Heinz Messinger, Managing Director, AME International GmbH, Member of the Management Board and Financial Referent of Vienna Economic Forum during a working meeting on 25 January 2019 with H.E. Mr Sherzod Asadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan, met to discuss the possibilities of future cooperation.
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Working meeting with Prof. Antoni Slavinski, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Bulgarian University, Mr. Ivo Ivanovski, Head of International Regulatory and European Affairs, A1 Telekom Austria Group and Dr. Stefan Schneeberger, Executive Assistant to the CEO, A1 Telekom Austria Group
The Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva and Prof. Antoni Slavinski, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the New Bulgarian University, on January 22, 2019, met Mr. Ivo Ivanovski, Head of International Regulatory and European Affairs, A1 Telekom Austria Group and Dr. Ing. Stefan Schneeberger, Executive Assistant to the CEO, A1 Telekom Austria Group.
The main topic of the discussion at the A1 Telekom Austria Group headquarters in Vienna was the further development and the pragmatic realization of the VEF idea for the foundation of a "Digital ICT School".
The willingness of the three universities: New Bulgarian University (NBU) Sofia, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, and Titu Maiorescu University, Romania, to realize this idea, was affirmed during the "15. Jubilee Vienna Economic Forum "on November 19, 2018 in Vienna, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
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Working meeting with Mr. Ahmet Mesut Ersoy, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of DenizBank AG, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum
Secretary General, Ambassador Dr Elena Kirtcheva and Mr. Ahmet Mesut Ersoy, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of DenizBank AG, discussed the good success of the long standing cooperation with great satisfaction, during an intensive working meeting in the Vienna Economic Forum on January 17, 2018, .
A future cooperation and a new stage in the deepening of the collaboration between Deniz Bank AG and Vienna Economic Forum has been planned.
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