Now there is movement in the matter: WKO president Harald Mahrer has announced that he wants to reduce the Chamber of Commerce contributions by twelve percent from next year. The companies save a total of 35 million euros in taxes.
WKO chairman Harald Mahrer explains: “That means a relief of about 35 million euros, which is substantial. And we call on all other institutions, whether federal, state, municipal or chamber, to do the same as we do.” For example, the federal government could reduce fees and various additional costs. Mahrer: “I say that because the Austrian economy needs it.”
Aren’t the room contributions already “ripe” for a reduction? Mahrer: “No, because the number of members we work for has increased by 80 percent since 2000. In total, we support 63,000 export companies through our foreign trade offices around the world.”
Due to the high inflation, room charges (which are linked to sales) have also been increased; “this freedom of movement,” says Mahrer, will be passed on from 2024.
The Chamber of Commerce is consciously taking this first step because particularly difficult wage negotiations are coming up in the autumn. “I hope others will follow suit.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
