Austria has joined the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo for the first time this year, revealing a highly industrialized nation eager to deepen ties with the Chinese market.
The fourth edition of the five-day expo that ended on Friday in Beijing has drawn more than 670 exhibitors from 85 countries, regions and international organizations.
Moving beyond Austria's popular image as a vacation destination, participating companies are displaying advanced capabilities in heat treatment, clean energy technologies, and machine tools, while establishing closer connections with Chinese partners.
"Due to the diversity and scale of the Chinese market, we can independently conduct research and development. While inheriting Austria's advanced foundational technology, we have developed many diversified applications," said Ren Weifeng, CEO of the AICHELIN Heat Treatment Systems (Beijing) Co. Ltd. (AICHELIN China).
For Austria, cultivating the Chinese market is part of a broader strategy to optimize its own business environment and attract Chinese investment to Europe.
"We are very optimistic about the major trend of Chinese companies going to Europe for investment and trade, and we want to provide them with better services," said Wu Shanshan, chief representative for China at Austrian Business Agency.
At this year's expo, several European companies are showcasing their products, demonstrating their confidence in China's supply chains.
"Companies actually to get their best products ready for consumers have to cooperate. Nowadays, product consists of many different parts. So, there's no possibility for us to separate to supply chains," said Franz Roessler, commercial counselor at Austrian Embassy in China.
As China and Austria celebrate the 55th anniversary of bilateral ties, Roessler said there are so much potential for cooperation. Over 650 Austrian companies have invested in the Chinese market, looking for deeper partnerships.
With the aim of serving as a bridge between the Chinese market and Austrian companies, these representatives said they will continue to deepen their presence in the Chinese market and strengthen collaboration with local innovative forces.
Austria taps Chinese market by participating in supply chain expo
