VIENNA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Austrian business leaders and economists are seeing new opportunities for cooperation with China after Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker's recent visit to China.
Austrian businesses appreciate China as an important partner, the Austrian Foreign Trade Center said, adding that considerable potential remains, particularly in the modernization of the production sector, sustainable solutions, winter sports and high-quality consumer goods.
Stocker's visit to China on Nov. 2-7 came as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The two countries have signed documents on cooperation in the economy and trade, social security and other areas.
"China has developed enormously in technology in recent years. For our companies, that means more competition, but also new opportunities for cooperation," said Wolfgang Hesoun, vice president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, in a statement. "What matters is that we know the developments on the ground precisely, use our strengths in a targeted way and recognize new opportunities early. This requires direct exchange and reliable partners."
China has said it stands ready to work with Austria to expand practical cooperation in emerging fields such as new-energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, digital economy and green development, and foster new engines for economic and trade growth.
The Graz-based technology group AVL said in a statement that China has been of special significance to it for many years, both as an important market and as a location for innovation and technology. Today AVL works in China with customers and partners on electrification, alternative drive systems, digitalization and software solutions.
Andreas Klauser, CEO of Salzburg-based Palfinger AG, called the visit "an important signal" for dialogue and stable economic relations.
"Especially for globally active industrial companies, we need reliable political and economically fair framework conditions," he said in a statement sent to Xinhua.
China is "an important part of our Asia strategy" for the Chinese market itself and "as a base for further growth markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East," said Klauser.
Palfinger sees great potential in further developing its presence in Asia and in combining local market knowledge with its global technology and innovation expertise, Klauser added.
Wei Manske-Wang, professor of international business and head of China Center at MCI Innsbruck, said the visit "sends a positive signal for Austrian companies" and raises Austria's profile in China, giving medium-sized firms more room for maneuver, and technology companies a "strong political tailwind."
China already holds a leading position in innovation and is a pioneer in digitalization, Manske-Wang said, adding that there is considerable scope for China-Austria cooperation in education and cultural exchanges. ■
