ICS event highlights in the first half of 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the beginning of 2024, the European economic situation remains mixed. The EU is missing growth momentum from Germany, which—given the close interdependence—also poses a major challenge for our domestic exporters. The US economy is performing somewhat better, but truly positive momentum is coming from Southeast Asia and India, as confirmed by the newly published Global Business Barometer of AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, compiled on the basis of information from the Austrian foreign trade offices. These regions will also be key drivers of global economic development in the medium term and must therefore move even more strongly into the focus of the export efforts of our Styrian companies. In this context, I would also like to draw your attention once again to our India focus programme. Following the kick-off in December and the intercultural workshop in early February, the ICS market exploration trip, led by Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs Barbara Eibinger-Miedl and WKO Styria Vice President Herbert Ritter, will take around 40 Styrian managers to Bengaluru and New Delhi (participation should still be possible for those who decide very quickly, by the way). In any case, we will of course keep you up to date on the economic missions planned for the next 36 months in the areas of mobility, sustainability, automation and manufacturing technology, construction, etc. Our event on the use of AI in foreign trade has already attracted great interest this year; we will offer a repeat and also a more in-depth follow-up at the beginning of the second half of the year. You can find information below on what you can expect from ICS and our cooperation partners, according to the current planning status, up to the summer. We hope for your interest and participation, and we are of course also grateful for further suggestions and proposals, which we will be happy to incorporate wherever possible.

The ICS team wishes you every success and, of course, is always available to provide individual advice and support at any time.

Karl Hartleb | Managing Director of ICS