Austrian exports to the Kingdom include pharmaceutical products, electrical equipment, heavy trucks and special vehicles used for fire fighting, wood, industrial machinery, steel, health products and energy drinks. Bilateral trade has been on the upswing with the regular visits of Austrian trade missions. Bilateral relations at all levels are reviewed at the annual Saudi-Austrian Joint Economic Commission meetings, which are held alternatively in Riyadh and Vienna.

While the bilateral cooperation continues to expand, Austria is keen on increasing its exports and investment across the Kingdom, said Prunis who was in Jeddah after assuming charge in Riyadh two weeks ago. “We export industrial machinery to the Kingdom for possible re-export purposes,” he said, adding that Austrian companies were especially keen on Saudi projects related to railway, construction, and health infrastructure and food sectors. An Austrian mission in the health sector is visiting the Kingdom in January.” We specialize in high-end solar and environmental technologies, as well as waste management and treatment and alternative energy. In the food sector, we manufacture high-end products including halal meat, fruit juice and jam varieties.”

On the investment side, Saudis in particular and Arabs in general have been evincing keen interest in Austria’s real estate sector, especially the hospitality industry. Austrian companies have been getting a number of enquiries from established Saudi companies for partnerships and investment, he said. Austrian companies have also been taking part in international trade exhibitions including the upcoming Saudi Build in Riyadh. “We plan to expand our participation in Saudi expos.”

Saudi students have been exploring the prospects of pursuing higher education in Austria, notably in engineering and medicine. A number of students from the Kingdom are currently studying in Austrian universities. “Austria also offers excellent environment for training and welcomes Saudi students,” said Prunis who was his country’s trade commissioner in Montreal, Canada, and commercial attaché before that in Algiers.

Referring to tourism, which contributes 10 percent to Austria’s GDP, Prunis said the country had remained one of the top 10 destinations for world tourists. Annually, 20 million tourists, including 10,000 from Saudi Arabia, visit Austria whose population is around eight million. Vienna and the rest of Austria offer rich history, culture and landscape, aside from attractions for summer and winter tourists.