Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs February 16 announced easing VISA issuance procedure for Indian business travellers during “India-Austria Economic Forum” jointly organised by FICCI and Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) in New Delhi.

Karz mentioned that “there has been an increase of over 40% Indian tourists visiting Austria with 120,000 tourists from India last year. This step will improve the longstanding good relationship with Austria and India, particularly on a people to people level”. He anticipates that the Indian e-visa procedure to be announced for the Austrian business travellers soon.

In the backdrop of the forum, FICCI renewed its partnership agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, MoU) with Austrian Federal Economic Chamber to boost the bilateral & multilateral relations. In his welcome address, Prashant Modi, President – ICC and Member-FICCI Executive Committee, stated that the signing of MoU and the visit of Hon’ble Minister along with a significant business delegation from Austria presents an ideal opportunity to showcase the technical and operational expertise of Austrian companies to their Indian counterparts.

Addressing the forum Dr. Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber stated that “Austrian companies are showing interest in exploring sectors like urban infrastructure & transport, smart cities, automobiles, defence, telecom, retail and water management in India. Likewise, Indian companies may also derive assured benefits exploring sectors like Infrastructure, Machinery & equipments, renewable energy, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises, Vocational Training & more in Austria”.

FICCI organised structured B2B session between Indian and visiting Austrian companies after the forum.

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