Austrian Businessman Cares for Ukraine

This is the twelfth time Gerhard BЗrtos, Austrian businessman, has visited Ukraine. In the generous Slavic way, the trip of the extravagant Austrian is aimed at overcoming our country’s negative image among the West European countries.

A flood struck his hometown of Linz. A few meters more and the water would reach his house. Nevertheless, it was decided not to cancel his motorcycle ‘friendship raid’ Linz-Vienna-Budapest-Mukhacheve-Lviv of 1500 kilometers. Gerhard first visited Ukraine on August 19, 1991, at the very moment the putsch was taking place. Though everybody else who could was making his/her way home, our hero proved not to be that sort. The days would remain engraved in his memory, when Ukraine was gaining its long-sought independence. Since then he regards it as his duty to make his motherland understand that our country is not at all worse than any other. The young Austrian feels offended for Ukraine, saying that, “Every country has its flaws, but they should not be focused upon.” He dislikes the way our country is usually presented in Austrian newspapers: for example, a photo of Leonid Kuchma (where he obviously does not look his best), following Russian President Vladimir Putin, with another photograph of the same size next to it, the latter showing a woman that is selling bras and the headline is something like “What is the Money of the Ukrainians Being Wasted On?” If one wants Ukraine to stop being associated with only Chernobyl and corruption, it is high time to get down to doing something concrete. That can be strengthening the direct friendly relations between the ordinary citizens of the both Europes. The next action of Ukraine’s friend is going to take place September 19-26 concurrently with the Austrian Businessmen Congress. The thirty-two year old Gerhard BЗrtos is the youngest Austrian senator in charge of creating the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. It is thanks to him that many Ukrainian businessmen were able to proceed with practical training in Austria, and thousands of commercial projects have been carried out with both countries participating. The future plans of the energetic foreigner comprise financial support for cultural contacts. For example, during the last reception an amateur opera singer was presented to the audience, the former having been discovered by BЗrtos . Incidentally, he will finance the singer’s album. And in 1996 the generous guest of Ukraine presented golden rings and expensive bedclothes to fifty newlywed couples at the Wedding Palace. He still is keeping in touch and corresponding with many of them. This time those who still live together received another golden rings as presents.

The impressions of the emotional Gerhard needed no translation, “ Alles gut! Fantastischer Kontakt! ” Hopefully, his admiration of Ukraine will also inspire his countrymen.