16th Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2019

The opening of the conference was moderated by Dr. Sonja Sagmeister, Author and Journalist, ZIB 2, ORF.

The Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva in her opening speech spoke about the symbolism of the 30th anniversary of the so-called “turn”, which brought the fall of the “Iron Curtain” and opened new horizons for East-West economic relations. It is exactly the experience drawn from the personal knowledge of Planned economy that contributes to the understanding and appreciation of the objectives that Vienna Economic Forum set for itself in 2004 and ongoing: „ in the heart of Europe, from Vienna, we strive for the economic development of the countries from South-Eastern Europe, most of which also know what planned economy is. It is our goal to assist in their economic development and to regard all as an economic region as a whole“, the Secretary General said. Furthermore, she elaborated on yet another side of the “reunification” in the last 30 years, namely the phenomenon of “power” women arising from the Balkan, the VEF region, as well as world-wide, a “phenomenon” of which we all should be proud of and nourish in the years to come.
In his welcoming address, the host, Mag. Harald Neumann, CEO, Novomatic AG, Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum and Honorary Consul of Romania with Consular District of Lower Austria stated that economic cooperation is key for the success of the South Eastern European region.

The President of Vienna Economic Forum, DI Dr. Günther Rabensteiner thanked all present at the 16th Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2019: “From Planned Economy to Market Economy – 30 Years after the Fall of the Iron Curtain”. He stated that a political bridge is easy to destroy. A strong economic network, on the other hand, is not easy to tear down. VEF will stand to build an economic bridge that will last.

In her video message, which is specially prepared and dedicated to the 16th Vienna Economic Forum, the Managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva stated that 30 Years after the Fall of the Iron Curtain, the SEE region has come a long way. This journey will continue and will deliver a better living for the people.

In his Impulse Statement, the President of the Republic of Austria (2004-2016) and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, Dr. Heinz Fischer reminded that social change usually starts slowly, but then ultimately it reaches high velocity and power. The problems of today have changed, but they have not diminished. In the past 30 years, the number of democracies has been increasing; the principles of market economy have gained ground; the new democracy (Eastern Block) today are wealthier and have been seeing progress. Homogeneity has been lost. EU has become a little cumbersome, the trust in the EU has been diminished. Furthermore, the danger of radical nationalism is concerning. Dr. Fischer further stated that different opinions within the EU have not been overcome, therefore there is lots to discuss. This event is but one contribution. History does not know an end.

In her Main Statement, the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, H.E. Ms. Mariya Gabriel pointed out that Europe is lagging behind in digital innovation. The world of Tomorrow will belong to those who can master the digital world. Furthermore, a focus should be put on the education in digital skills. Last but not least, our vulnerabilities must be addressed. Adapting market economy in a digital context is key, according to H.E. EU Commissioner Gabriel. Artificial Intelligence is the game changer. Sovereignty and strategic plutonomy, together with greater control of digital supply change is very important. “We have achieved a lot, now I am waiting for our future work. EU digitalization is finally on top of the agenda.”

During the following working session “From Planned Economy to Market Economy – 30 Years after the Fall of the Iron Curtain”, moderated by DI Peter Umundum, Member of the Board of Österreichische Post AG and Vice-President of Vienna Economic Forum, the new Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Dr. Lilyana Pavlova in her Main Statement pointed out that the EIB is focused on combining efforts to become a climate bank. Though we have come a long way in the last 30 years, the Western Balkans countries have a long way to go in order to be able to boost their indicators for innovation and development. By the year 2030, the goal is to work on energy lending policy and climate policy.

The Members of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, Mag. Thomas Arnoldner, CEO of A1 Telekom Austria Group, Dr. Emmanuel Forest, CEO, BOUYGUES Europe SA, Paris, Dr. Stephan Pachinger, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhauser Deringer LLP, Dr. Gabriel Lansky, Partner, LANSKY, GANZGER + partner, Mr. Arda Ermut, President, Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Investment Office, participated with their valuable contributions and personal experiences in the lively discussion on the topic of “From Planned Economy to Market Economy – 30 Years after the Fall of the Iron Curtain”.

During the first part of the traditional Annual Award Ceremony of the 16th Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2019, A1 Telekom Austria Group was unanimously nominated and honoured with the Vienna Economic Forum Award – „Cooperation Partner of the Year 2019“. The award was accepted by the CEO, Mag. Thomas Arnoldner.

The award „Country Partner of the Year 2019“ was awarded to the member country Republic of North Macedonia for the long-standing, excellent collaboration. The award was received by H.E. Mr. Naser Nuredini, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of North Macedonia, on behalf of the Government and the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Zoran Zaev, Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, who addressed the participants and the audience with a distinguished video message.

The Session „Economy as a Driving Force: One Region – One Economy” was moderated by the VEF Board Member and President of Jackovich International LLC, USA, Ambassador Victor Jackovich.

In his impulse statement, H.E. Mr. Naser Nuredini, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of North Macedonia stated that “We as a region need to work together to solve our common environmental issues and develop our economies”.

In the exciting discussion that followed, Mr. Aleksandar Vlahovic, President, Serbian Association of Economists and Board member of Vienna Economic Forum, Ms. Tatjana Shterjova, Director, Directorate of Branch Associations and Regional Chambers, Economic Chamber of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Goran Milinic, Director, Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Investment (FIPA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina provided with a special input followed by a very intensive Q and A Session.

During the lunch that followed, the participants and guests had the opportunity to intensively exchange ideas in an informal and friendly atmosphere, as well as to further make and maintain contacts.

The subsequent echo has been exceedingly positive and will be soon published on this web site.
Vienna Economic Forum would like to thank all members, partners and friends for the enduring and constant support which further drives us to reach for bigger goals and constantly expand our horizons!

Special thanks goes to: A1 Telekom Austria Group, AME International GmbH, Bouygues Europe SA, CANON CEE GmbH, DenizBank AG, Ecolog International FZE, EVN AG, Vienna International Airport, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, HYPO NOE Landesbank, Jackovich International LLC, LANSKY, GANZGER + partner, Novomatic AG, Austrian Post Ltd, Penkov, Markov & Partners, International Law Firm, Raiffeisen Bank International, Serbian Association of Economists, Siemens AG Austria, Sopharma PLC, The Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Investment Office, Verbund AG, Wiener Börse AG, Wien Holding GmbH.
Additionally, Vienna Economic Forum would like to extend a special gratitude to Verbund AG, Novomatic AG, Penkov, Markov & Partners, International Law Firm, Sopharma PLC, Ecolog International.
Last but not least, Vienna Economic Forum extends a sincere recognition and appreciation to MonitorTV and Society Magazine for the active support!