About Us: The BMWET-Portfolio
The Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism is Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer.
The goal of the Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism is to further enhance the positive development of the Austrian business location. The tasks of the Ministry are performed by various Directorates General with differing priorities.
Economic Affairs, Innovation and International Policy
The aim of the Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism is to improve the Austrian business location, to promote growth and to ensure a sustainable economic recovery. In order to increase the attractiveness of the Austrian business location measures are taken that contribute to the improvement of an enterprise-friendly environment.
European Union and International Market Strategies
Austria is one of the world's leading export countries. External trade policy aims to strengthen the Austrian export sector by ensuring sustainable growth, improved access to new markets and international cooperation. Other portfolios include export control, import licenses, EU subsidies, export and investment policy as well as multilateral trade and investment control policy. Competition policy, internal market issues as well as legislative matters are addressed as well as issues related to sustainability, the representation within international fora like the OECD and the WTO.
National Market Strategies
The BMWET seeks to provide an enterprise-friendly framework and environment. Central issues include improving the competitive strength of companies, safeguarding existing employment and creating new jobs, as well as updating the rules and standards under Austria's Trade Act (Gewerbeordnung, GewO). Moreover, the BMWET is responsible for the sustainable design of apprenticeships and the introduction of new apprenticed trades. Other policy areas include surveying, geo-information and technology.
Cultural Heritage
The Ministry – through Burghauptmannschaft Österreich (an entity managing publicly-owned palaces, castles etc.) – is also responsible for the maintenance and use of Schönbrunn Zoo. The Cultural Heritage area manages state-owned properties and furniture of historical and touristic value.
Energy
The BMWET is also responsible for the energy sector. The agendas in this area include, in particular, the electricity industry and its planning, the promotion of electrification and the management of electrical energy. Other topics include heavy current law, nuclear energy, nuclear coordination, steering and management measures with regard to coal, oil and natural gas.
Tourism
Tourism is important to Austria's economy and a major employer. Austria has turned into one of the leading tourism destinations worldwide. Although small in size and population, it is among the 15 most visited countries in the world. The reasons for this are diverse: the majestic Alps, beautiful rivers and lakes, its cities, richness of culture and culinary art. Hospitality and service quality in small family businesses with tight regional bonds add to a unique tourism experience. In 2019, the Ministry responsible for tourism published a new national tourism strategy, the "Plan T – Master Plan for Tourism". It lays down guidelines for sustainable development of tourism and serves as base for political decisions at all levels.