The U.S. International Trade Administration convened their annual investment summit SelectUSA at National Harbor, MD again this year in order to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. Bringing together investors, companies, and government officials, it provided the Austrian delegation (including many Austrian companies) ample opportunities to network on May 1-4, 2023.

Improving apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development was again a major focus of the summit and particularly important for Austria following last year’s bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States. As a result of Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh’s recent official visit to Austria the new “SelectTalent” initiative was announced by Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo to help ensure foreign investors are connected with the resources and experts needed to establish quality training and education programs in the United States.

On May 1, 2023, Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo held an armchair discussion on the topic of “Women in Tech,” one of the major foci of this year’s summit. Then, on May 2, 2023, Austrian Ambassador Petra Schneebauer and Irene Lack-Hageneder, Head of Advantage Austria Washington, hosted a networking reception for the Austrian companies at her residence under the banner of the ReFocus Austria initiative. Prominent guests included U.S. Ambassador to Austria Victoria Kennedy, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Diane Farrell and business leaders and representatives from Alaska, Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Vermont. #ReFocus Austria #ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

© ÖB Washington / Lena Linortner