SelectUSA: Austrian Embassy Reception
Remarks by
Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy
SelectUSA: Austrian Embassy Reception
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Austrian Residence, Washington, D.C.
Ambassador Schneebauer, Colleagues from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Irene Lack-Hageneder and her colleagues at Advantage Austria,
Thank you, Ambassador Schneebauer, for hosting this reception in honor of our extraordinary delegation to the 2023 SelectUSA Summit. We are so grateful to you and your team at the Austrian Embassy, as well as to Advantage Austria, for your partnership in support of Austrian investment and workforce development in the United States.
I am beyond proud to be leading this remarkable delegation of Austrian businesses. Our delegation is fantastic in many ways. First, for its sheer number – with 26 participants, Austria is one of the largest from Europe. Our delegation is notable for its high quality. Every company represented here – from leading multinationals to robust mid-sized businesses to dynamic tech start-ups – has expertise in key industries, positioning them for expanded success in the U.S. market.
Finally, I want to draw your attention to the gender diversity of our delegation, with nearly 25% women. We are not at 50% yet, but we’re on the right path.
To our delegation: you are the reason we are all here tonight. Your faith in the strength of the U.S. economy and your decision to grow your business in the United States – your vision – is what brings us together and sustains this robust and resilient economic relationship.
Let me just say: today is the first day of the Summit, and Austria –the fastest growing source for foreign direct investment into the United States – has been in the spotlight several times for the tremendous value and expertise your companies bring to the United States. So far, you have participated in expert panels, startup pitching sessions, and VIP roundtables, including on workforce development.
I am very excited about the progress we have been able to chart on implementing our Memorandum of Understanding on Apprenticeships. What a great opportunity to improve access to a diverse and skilled workforce for your U.S. operations while bringing our economies even closer together!
Thank you for your contribution to this important initiative.
The U.S. Embassy in Vienna – represented here tonight by Henley Jones, Verena Gruber and myself – is dedicated to facilitating your objectives at the Summit and ensuring the success of your U.S. ventures.
I wish you all a great evening and a successful 2023 SelectUSA Summit!