The Austrian Business Agency in 1997 enjoyed the best year in its 15-year history, advising foreign investors in 62 completed projects that will account for nearly 2400 new jobs by the end of this year.

The total investment volume of these projects - nearly ATS 2.6 billion (US$206 million) - was more than four times the agency's average over the past 10 years, and the number of projects and jobs created were five times the average over the same period. In comparison, 1996 - the ABA's previous best year over the prior decade - saw just 24 projects completed, involving an investment volume of around ATS 350 million (US$28 million) and just more than 1000 jobs.

Investors from Germany led the way with 22 of the completed projects, followed by the United States with 9, Japan 7, Italy 6, and Switzerland and Canada with 4 projects each. Other investments originated in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and Malaysia. Among the 62 projects were seven involving expansion of existing investments, as well as a joint venture and an acquisition.

Six of the investing companies were in the automotive industry, with five each from the telecommunications sector and the electronics (software) business.

Graphics:

Number of Projects Completed

1990- 5
1991- 5
1992- 8
1993- 6
1994- 10
1995- 21
1996- 24
1997- 62

Total Investment Volume, in US$

1990- 53
1991- 29
1992- 41
1993- 4
1994- 31
1995- 26
1996- 29
1997- 206

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