According to senior government officials, Austria is seeking to join UAE...
According to senior government officials, Austria is seeking to join UAE companies in bidding for projects in Iraq and increase its presence in the Gulf region. The central European country is also positioning itself as a major gateway into East European markets.
"We have a strong economic relationship with the Gulf countries, especially the UAE. Austrian exports to the UAE are expected to gain by 3.5 per cent this year," said Dr Horst Machu, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East".
"Our companies are looking to forge partnerships with local companies here and increase our presence in the Gulf. Many Austrian companies are planning to enter the Iraqi market and they could use the local expertise and contacts to help rebuild Iraq".
"We have a commercial office in Iraq currently tapping the market and helping the Austrian companies participate in the tendering process. Our companies have so far won some contracts worth about 10 million euros".
Machu said Vienna is being seen as a commercial gateway into Eastern European markets.
"This year, 10 new countries are joining the European Union, some from Eastern Europe, our neighbours. Vienna will become the commercial hub, as well as a gateway to enter these markets, as we are conveniently located in the centre of Europe".
