AUSTRIA, November 17 - A key focus during Foreign Minister Michael Linhart’s trip to Northern Macedonia and Albania from 18 to 20 November 2021 was strengthening economic relations between Austria and the two Western Balkan states. As part of the ReFocus Austria initiative, the Foreign Minister was accompanied by a large economic delegation, and participated in multiple meetings with businesspeople from the region.

With the Refocus Austria initiative, we hope to help open doors for Austrian companies abroad and give new momentum to international Austrian economic activities following the pandemic,

says Foreign Minister Michael Linhart.

During the trip, the Austrian delegation had several opportunities to discuss their concerns and plans with local representatives. For instance, at the ReFocus Austria economic forum in Northern Macedonia, Austrian businesspeople were able to exchange ideas with multiple government representatives. In Albania, too, Foreign Minister Michael Linhart and the economic delegation met with Albanian government members.

It is very important to me to be accompanied by representatives of companies on this trip – their participation proves that there is great interest on the part of Austrian business,

emphasises Foreign Minister Linhart.

Both Northern Macedonia and Albania have close economic relations with Austria. Austria is the second-largest foreign investor In Northern Macedonia, which is an attractive location for many Austrian companies.

Austria is already one of the most important foreign investors in these two countries, and its investments are creating valuable jobs in the region. That allows us to help create prosperity and give young people promising prospects in their homeland,

says Foreign Minister Linhart.

During his trip, Michael Linhart took the opportunity to see the application of red-white-red know-how. In Northern Macedonia, Foreign Minister Michael Linhart visited the local headquarters of Austrian energy corporation EVN and a Magna production plant. In Albania, the itinerary included a visit to the ADA economic partnership on sustainable forest management in Ana e Malit as well as a tour of the Ashta hydropower plant. The hydropower plant was built with the help of Austrian expertise from EVN and Verbund.