Economic crisis in Wels: Entrepreneurs demand courageous solutions!

Economic crisis in Wels: Entrepreneurs demand courageous solutions!

Wels, Österreich - Last night the Wels city theater had a special visitor: Roland Hechenberger, CEO of Raiffeisenbank Wels, invited to an entrepreneurial evening. On this occasion, Hechenberger proudly emphasized that 66 percent of bank customers are entrepreneurs. "We see ourselves as a backbone of the regional economy," says Hechenberger, who emphasized the close cooperation with the Wels Chamber of Commerce. It is important to him to provide medium -sized and family businesses in the region with sufficient liquidity.

In times of economic challenges, which are often full of uncertainties, trust is a keyword. Hechenberger makes it clear that stability in financial support is essential for companies. "We have to fortify each other," he noticed. However, the mood among the entrepreneurs is not undisturbed. Franz Edlbauer from WKO Wels pointed out that the current economic situation was "very negative"; In fact, most entrepreneurs have great concern about their future.

recession and forecasts

Austria's economy is already experiencing a recession in a row. According to WiFo forecasts, the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 will decrease by 0.3 percent to show a negative development of 1 percent again in 2024 and only get back to its back in 2026 with growth of 1.2 percent. This dark view is accompanied by the company -friendly residential building offensive 2024 and fiscal stimuli in Germany and the EU. Puls24 describes the upcoming challenges: Investments will be held back in many places, and the construction industry only shows easy recovery signals.

Another future -oriented sign: On the evening of the entrepreneurial evening, Wolfgang Pitsch from the Austrian control bank made it clear that the bank always offers support during crises. "We stand by our customers in difficult times," said Pitsch.

finance and debts

Christoph Badelt, President of the Fiscal Council, presented a clear view of the government's financial policy. With a debt of 84.7 percent of GDP in 2023, which is due to increase to 86.3 percent by 2026, a determined trade must be traded in the coming years. Badelt calls for the state to reduce the deficit to a maximum of 1.4 percent to reduce the debt rate. This step is also necessary in view of the stress caused by increasing pension, health and care costs.

The inflation rate is currently increasing, which also complicates the situation for many companies. Even if it is supposed to relax again over the course of the year, uncertainty on the market is clearly noticeable. Despite the challenges, Badelt gives the entrepreneurs and decision -makers a clear message: "There is no reason for pessimism! We have to work on the improvement."