Austrian trade sector calls for reduced bureaucracy

At the WKÖ Handelstag, representatives from the Austrian retail and trade sectors called for significant reductions in bureaucracy and the easing of burdensome EU regulations to improve competitiveness. Rainer Trefelik, chairman of the trade division, emphasized the need for momentum and courage to move forward amidst a prolonged crisis.

Discussions also focused on the challenges of digitalization, labor shortages, and demographic shifts. Experts highlighted the necessity of investing in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions. Regarding the labor market, data from the AMS indicated that unemployment or training status in the trade sector rose by 4% compared to the previous year, with over 56,000 individuals recorded at the end of September.