Foreword to the Export Manual by
Dr. Michael Spindelegger,Federal Minister for European and International Affairs

.As an information “Austria Export” fulfils an important task and provides a clear overview of the product range offered by Austrian enterprises in the various economic sectors. Exports are an important driving force – and even more so in times of crisis.

We earn 60 percent of Austria’s wealth outside our borders. The Foreign Ministry and Austrian business act in concert, a strategy which has proved successful in the past. Our country is among the 20 biggest export nations in the world and we intend to defend this position, even if we encounter choppy waters. We have many successful, innovative enterprises that have been operating on the international stage for many years. Entrepreneurial spirit is important, but they also need support.

In our government programme we laid down a number of measures designed to strengthen Austria as a business location in general and its competitiveness in the world markets in particular. Throughout the world, the Foreign Ministry is a natural ally of Austrian business. Economic concerns are also our concerns. The Foreign Ministry will continue to support the interests of Austrian business wherever possible, and in particular during political talks when Austria is successfully advertised as an economic location. I wish the Austrian economy and us all the best of success.

Dr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European and
International Affairs