Provides references to the principal business associations, indicating which accept U.S. companies. Describes the primary roles of those associations and to what extent they influence government actions.

Many of Austria’s leading business associations both at the federal and the provincial level are associated with political parties. The most important associations are the Federal Economic Chamber (WKO - Wirtschaftskammer Österreich) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (Industriellenvereinigung). 

The WKO is a semi-official organization that most Austrian businesses are required to join and pay membership fees. It is associated with Austria’s center-right Peoples Party (OeVP), which nominates its leadership. The WKO advises the government on legislation that will impact business, and acts as the official representative of the business community for wage negotiations with official labor unions.

They have offices throughout Austria and the world, with a broad scope of activity including the formulation of business certification requirements and export promotion. Website: www.wko.at 

The Federation of Austrian Industries, also associated with the conservative party, represents the interests of manufacturing industry. This group differs from the WKO in that has no official status and membership of almost 5,000 industrial companies is voluntary.
Website: www.iv-net.at

Additional associations represent industries, professions, and labor organizations.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Austria membership of approximately 300 member companies includes around 100 U.S. subsidiaries doing business in Austria. Website: www.amcham.at
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.