Foreword to the new edition of the Export Manual
Better than anybody else. Austria remains export champion. Almost no other European country is as strongly engaged in foreign markets as Austria: Around 60% of our GDP is generated abroad. On the one hand this is due to Austria’s size as small countries have to focus on exports due to the lack of a big domestic market. On the other hand Austria’s central position in Europe enables it to have very active business relations with its neighbours. Moreover, without the constant improvement of the competitiveness of our products and services, it would not have been possible for Austria to join the group of Europe’s top export nations. Despite a considerable drop in the last quarter of 2008, the Austrian export business could achieve a positive account balance. Exports have gained 2.3% and now add up to Euro 117bn. Particularly due to high energy prices, imports increased around 4.3% and now value Euro 119,1bn. It will need great efforts to maintain the high level of exports in the current year of crisis. Even more than in the past, our national exporters will have to pay attention to future-oriented technologies and competitive products. The Austrian government supports the ambitious goal to gain additional market shares even in difficult times. In addition, it is necessary to continue together with our Austrian exporters the successful path in the Near East and Middle East. Austrian exports are particularly strong in areas such as energy, environment, motor technology, food and health. With targeted R&D measures the Austrian government is making its contribution that these areas will remain successful also in difficult times. Austria supports its export business by all means when major challenges occur so that we can continue to claim: “Better than anybody else!” I would like to express my gratitude to Austria Export for presenting Austrian companies and their products and I wish Schmutzer Verlag Gmbh. all the best for the future.
Werner Faymann |
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