Vienna gathers companies to discuss reconstruction opportunities in Gaza and Syria
Austria has begun discussions with its private sector about potential reconstruction opportunities in Gaza and Syria, in a move that reflects early economic engagement within broader diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the region.
On January 22, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a roundtable in Vienna that included representatives from Austrian companies, aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and exploring future reconstruction prospects. The meeting was chaired by the Special Envoy for the Middle East, Arad Benko, and focused on identifying early economic opportunities that may arise when the right conditions are created for the start of reconstruction.
During the opening session, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that Austria is taking its international responsibility through practical commitment, noting that this initiative aims to support a secure future for the people of Gaza and Syria, while also enabling Austrian companies to contribute to and benefit from future reconstruction efforts.
Austria highlighted its political and diplomatic commitment to supporting reconstruction and humanitarian aid in the two regions. In Gaza, the focus of support is on implementing a 20-point plan to ensure the sustainable distribution of humanitarian aid, establishing effective management, and preparing legal frameworks for participation in EU missions, amid the challenges posed by Israeli occupation policies. In Syria, priorities include rebuilding state institutions, providing humanitarian support, enabling the return of refugees, and supporting a comprehensive political transition, welcoming the lifting of most European, international, and American sanctions as an important step to enhance economic recovery.
On his part, the special envoy Arad Benko emphasized that the existence of an effective state with capable institutions is a prerequisite for any investment or economic progress. Representatives from the European Union, AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, the Industrialists' Union, and the Arab-Austrian Chamber of Commerce participated in the roundtable, along with Austrian missions in the region, where comprehensive presentations were made on the political and economic situations, benefiting from the reconstruction experiences in Ukraine. The meeting concluded with the participation of 30 representatives from the business sector, affirming that early coordination between diplomacy and economics enhances Austria's readiness for the future and contributes to reducing irregular migration by supporting long-term stability in the region.