Austria is Back in Business: ReFocus Austria Celebrates Its 200th Event in Tbilisi

AUSTRIA, May 17 - The 200th event of the ReFocus Austria global economic initiative was held on 18 May 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The high-ranking discussion event provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes of Georgian-Austrian trade relations to date, as well as the prospects for further trading opportunities.

As an exporting nation, strengthening our global trade relations is a priority of Austrian foreign policy. That's why I'm so pleased that, with ReFocus Austria, we have been able to make a contribution to Austria's economic prosperity for the 200th time already,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg on the occasion of the 200th event.

With an export volume of EUR 62 million in 2020, Georgia was Austria's most important trading partner in the Caucasus region. Austrian export goods, such as machines, medical products, contrast agents and foods are in particularly high demand in Georgia. The discussion event, held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of trade relations between Austria and Georgia, was attended by the Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Economics Minister, Levan Davitashvili, as well as an Austrian economic delegation.  The day ended with a gala concert by Austrian and Georgian musicians, attended by about 350 invited guests from the world of politics and economics as well as Austrians living abroad. The gala concert was also a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and was used to raise funds for humanitarian projects.

Since the kick-off of ReFocus Austria on 7 September 2021, the global network of Austrian representations together with the Economic Chamber, the Austrian national tourist board, the Ministry of Economics and many other partners, as Team Austria, have been organising events to promote Austrian exports. With the involvement of local Austrian companies and in combination with high-ranking trade delegations, the focus is on the core competencies of the Austrian economy, such as renewable energies, sustainability or infrastructure. Overall, ReFocus Austria events have been held in 62 countries, including 18 in North America, 6 in South America, 96 in Europe, 18 in Africa, 59 in Asia and 3 in Australia. The initiative aims to promote Austria as a business location and open up opportunities for Austrian companies on international markets.