New presiding board of the ÖSW forum: Martin Kurschel as president, Dr Radivoje Petrikić as honorary president

On 17 November the meeting of our ÖSW Forum took place, at which Mr Martin Kurschel, CEO and owner of the company IRMA INVESTMENTS, was elected the new President of the Forum. He thereby takes on a central role in the further strengthening of cooperation between Austrian and Serbian entrepreneurs and in the strategic development of our association.

With his many years of experience in international business management, in investment projects and in market development, Mr Kurschel brings valuable expertise. It will contribute substantially to the professionalisation of the Forum, to the expansion of the business network and to the opening up of new prospects for Austrian and Serbian entrepreneurs. As a leader with a clear vision and a deep understanding of the regional economy, he provides important impetus for the future activities of the Forum.

At the same time, Dr Radivoje Petrikić was appointed Honorary President of the Forum – in recognition of his outstanding and long-standing contribution to the development of Austrian-Serbian economic relations. Mr Dr Petrikić, director and leading legal expert for the Western Balkans at the renowned Austrian law firm CMS, has created decisive bridges between entrepreneurs from both countries through his deep specialist knowledge, his strategic commitment and his strong regional connections. During his active term of office he strengthened mutual trust, made lasting cooperation possible and laid a stable foundation for long-term economic partnerships.

His exceptional contribution remains a defining part of the history of our Forum and will be remembered as a cornerstone of the successful development of Austrian-Serbian economic relations. With this new leadership structure the Forum combines valuable continuity with a fresh vision and opens a new chapter aimed at further deepening relations between Austrian and Serbian companies, expanding economic cooperation and promoting joint investment initiatives.

According to information from the Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO), more than 1,500 entrepreneurs of Serbian origin are active in Austria and have been making a valuable contribution to the Austrian economy for decades. We look forward to actively supporting their further work, development and networking with Austrian entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors, and to generating new economic impetus together.