That was the LATIN AMERICA DAY & WEEK 2023
Latin America and Austria find a common rhythm
There was also Samba dancing and ceviche with pisco sour was served, but Latin America is much more than we initially imagine.
The first Latin America Day 2023 post-Covid took place as a hybrid event and aimed to represent the full spectrum of this exciting region.
On September 18th, almost 300 visitors were welcomed to the lectures, panels, and workshops at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
At the opening, Federal Minister of Labor and Economic Affairs, Martin Kocher, and Vice President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Wolfgang Hesoun, emphasized that the Latin American states - geographically far away, but culturally and economically close to Austria - are reliable partners in unstable times. Topics included economic development in Latin America, the region as a supplier of green and clean energy, free trade agreements, skilled labor, and financing options.
The keynote speech was given by Alexander Busch, who has been reporting from Brazil for Handelsblatt and NZZ for almost 20 years. The event was also enhanced by many testimonials from successful Austrian companies, be it Sebastian Heinzel from Heinzel Holding GmbH with successful projects in Paraguay or Georg Klausner from You work life! GmbH, who brings skilled workers from Brazil to Austria. The inputs at the free trade panel were also exciting, among them Rupert Schlegemilch, Director General for Trade at the EU Commission, who is Mercosur's chief negotiator, or the Mexican ambassador in Brussels, H. E. Rogelio Granguillhome Morfin, who is further negotiating the EU-Mexico partnership agreement.
The focus was on personal consultations with 5 Heads of Advantage Austria Offices from Latin America and external experts/service providers from partners, embassies, the Latin American diaspora and NGOs.
17 of the 19 Latin American embassies represented in Vienna were present, 16 of which by their ambassadors. 15 countries presented themselves with a country stand or with videos.
The following four days were all about online exchanges on the B2Match platform. Almost 600 registered participants, mainly from Austria, but also from more than 20 other countries, exchanged ideas and discussed possible mutual projects.
The event is part of the internationalization initiative go-international, a joint effort of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
Impressions of Latin America Day 2023
Take a look at the picture gallery!
Interested in oncoming activities on Latin America?
Contact us: americas@advantageaustria.org
We are looking forward to the next Latin America Day & Week!
