Asian Expats in Austria | Asians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations

Austria and Asian-Pacific countries - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism

Japan's Ambassador Ryuta Mizuuchi Ends his Term of Office in Austria

A total of 167 guests from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, culture, and science gathered at the Hotel InterContinental Vienna to bid a worthy farewell to the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Ryuta Mizuuchi and his wife Dr. Akemi Mizuuchi.

December 22, 2024

OMV Abandons Plans to Sell Exploration Business in New Zealand

Following an intensive review, the Executive Board of OMV Aktiengesellschaft has decided not to pursue the sale process for the exploration and production (E&P) business in New Zealand. OMV New Zealand Limited will, therefore, remain part of the partly state-owned energy company's E&P portfolio.

December 17, 2024

Austria and Nauru: Working Together to Tackle Global Challenges

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Nauruan counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Vienna for a bilateral meeting. Topics such as climate change, the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security issues took center stage.

December 17, 2024

New Flight Connection Between Vienna and Chengdu Inaugurated

Hainan Airlines links Europe and Asia with a new direct flight route between Vienna and Chengdu. The opening of the route was attended by a prominent delegation, including Qi Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria, Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG, Meng Fanzhuang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, and Zhang Zhuo, General Manager Austria of Hainan Airlines. The event marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between Austria and China.

December 12, 2024

Cultural Bridge between Austria and Japan: Schönbrunn Palace and Himeji Castle Enter Into Partnership

Two of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and Himeji Castle in Japan signed a partnership agreement. This cooperation aims to preserve cultural treasures, exchange knowledge, and promote sustainable tourism and cultural education. The signing ceremony took place in the magnificent White and Gold Rooms of Schönbrunn Palace and was attended by high-ranking representatives from both countries.

December 2, 2024

BRICS 2024: Diplomacy Between Myths and Reality

The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, was highlighted by Dmitry Lyubinsky, the Russian Ambassador to Austria, as one of the most important global events of 2024. In his statement, Lyubinsky repeatedly criticized the portrayal of the alliance in Western media and addressed supposed myths surrounding BRICS. But how convincing are his arguments?

November 26, 2024

Focus on European and Global Economic Interdependencies: 21st Vienna Economic Forum 2024

High-ranking representatives from business and politics gathered at the House of Engineers in Vienna to take part in the 21st Vienna Economic Forum - Vienna Future Dialogue 2024. Under this year's motto “Regional economy as part of the European and global economy”, the forum was all about economic and political dialog. The event provided a platform for analyzing the challenges of the present and working together to develop paths for a sustainable future.

November 21, 2024

UNODC: Increase in Opium Cultivation in Afghanistan Despite Continued Drug Ban

According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, opium cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 19 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. After an unprecedented decline of 95% in 2023, when the de facto authorities enforced a strict ban on cultivation, the area under cultivation has reached 12,800 hectares. Nevertheless, cultivation is still far below the figures for 2022, when 232,000 hectares were used for opium cultivation.

November 17, 2024

Austria's Wooden Ribbon: A Symbol of Innovation for the Expo 2025

Austria is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka and recently presented the centerpiece of its pavilion in Lower Austria: a spiral-shaped wooden loop that symbolizes the motto “Composing the Future”. This impressive sculpture stands for Austrian craftsmanship and the strong connection to Japan, which is to be further strengthened by the Expo.

October 31, 2024

OPEC Fund Intensifies Global Development Cooperation with New Financing Commitments

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced significant financing commitments of around half a billion US dollars at the 2024 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings to support climate action, food security, and infrastructure in various partner countries.

October 28, 2024

Strengthening Sino-Austrian Relations: Ambassador QI Mei Meets Graz Mayor Elke Kahr

The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, and the Mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, met at Graz City Hall. This official visit underlines the importance of bilateral relations between China and Austria, particularly at local level and in terms of economic, cultural and tourism cooperation.

September 25, 2024

Glock Ecotech Delivers Green Energy to Japan to Promote Sustainability

The Austrian company Glock Ecotech has secured an important project in Japan. As part of a partnership with the Japanese company Eishin Co., Ltd., Glock Ecotech supplies 18 modern Glock CHP 50 thermal power plants to Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture. This major project will start in the first half of 2025 and marks an important step in Japan's efforts to reduce fossil fuels and become climate-neutral.

September 24, 2024

Japan's Rohto Pharmaceutical Invests in Austrian Sigmapharm

In a move to enhance pharmaceutical production in Europe, Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceutical has entered into a strategic partnership with the Austrian Sigmapharm Group. The collaboration aims to expand the production and distribution of ophthalmic drugs and medical products across Europe, with Rohto Pharmaceutical investing nearly €30 million in research, development, production, and sales.

September 18, 2024

IAEA Holds 68th General Assembly in Vienna

The 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna has begun, providing an important platform for exchanges between member states on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. In addition to discussing global issues of nuclear safety and climate change, numerous heads of state and government are taking the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.

September 17, 2024

China Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei in the “Press Salon” of the Austrian Journalists' Club

China's Ambassador Qi Mei was a guest at the “Press Salon” event at the invitation of the Austrian Journalists' Club (ÖJC). In the presence of journalists from well-known media such as “Der Standard” and ORF, Qi Mei took the opportunity to talk about China's current economic and political developments as well as relations with Austria.

September 12, 2024

Gas Extraction in Upper Austria: Opportunities and Challenges for ADX Energy's Test Drillings

The planned natural gas extraction in Upper Austria is causing controversy. While the Australian company ADX Energy sees gas as a contribution to national energy independence, environmentalists warn of the ecological and climate policy consequences of new fossil fuel projects.

September 12, 2024

Wirecard Trial: Further Charges Against Former Management Board Members

Four years after Wirecard's spectacular bankruptcy, the Munich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against two further former members of the Management Board. The focus is on the former CFO, Alexander von Knoop, and Susanne Steidl, responsible for product development.

August 7, 2024

Hopeful Peace Deal for Gangs in Gang Violence in Vienna

In recent weeks, Vienna's streets have been rocked by violent clashes between Syrian and Chechen youth gangs. These conflicts, which were initially perceived as ethnic tensions, have thrown the city into turmoil. But now there are signs of a surprising turnaround: Representatives of both communities have published a joint statement aimed at improving cooperation.

August 6, 2024

European CSDP Offensive: Austrian Handbook Strengthens Security Cooperation in Vietnam

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has published a handbook on the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since 2009. Due to its success, Austria was asked to make this work available to Asian partner states to promote security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

August 4, 2024

Salzburg Summit: Europe's Challenge in the Global Economy

The Salzburg Summit 2024 provided a platform for discussions on the pressing economic and political challenges facing Europe. One of the central debates revolved around the tense relationship with the major economic power China and the resulting impact on European competitiveness.

July 25, 2024

North Korean Agents in Vienna: A Network of Espionage and Currency Procurement

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is not only known for its high quality of life and cultural diversity but also conceals a network of espionage and illegal activities that extends to North Korea. New revelations shed light on the covert operations of the Kim regime, which cleverly uses its presence in Vienna to procure foreign currency and gather knowledge for nuclear armament.

July 11, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Modi in Vienna: A Historic Visit to Strengthen Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Austria and was officially received by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Austria. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi emphasized the deep bond based on shared values such as democracy and the rule of law.

July 10, 2024

Fights Over Women's and LGBTQI+ Rights at the United Nations

The UN Human Rights Council is currently engaged in heated discussions over the formulation of resolutions concerning the protection of women and LGBTQI+ persons. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian, Volker Türk, expressed his deep concern that established rights are increasingly being called into question.

July 7, 2024

Indonesian Foreign Minister in Vienna For Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and Recognition of Palestine

During her visit to Vienna, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd, and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. Ms. Marsudi's agenda included supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and strengthening bilateral relations with Austria.

July 4, 2024 · Updated: July 5, 2024; 15:21

China's Ambassador Qi Mei On Cooperation Between China and Austria

China and Austria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971. Chinese Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei spoke about the biggest milestones in cooperation, current challenges, and future potential.

June 5, 2024

UNOOSA and Japan Support New Space Law Legislation Missions in the Philippines and Thailand

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan have announced a new phase of their cooperation under the Space Law for New Space Actors project. This successful cooperation, launched in 2021, will enable UNOOSA to provide continuous capacity-building and legal advisory services specifically tailored to the needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific.

May 30, 2024

Austria's Constitutional Protection Agency Warns of Chinese Economic Espionage

The Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has issued an urgent warning about Chinese industrial espionage. Small and medium-sized enterprises and research centers are particularly at risk.

May 20, 2024

Meet India's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Shri Shambhu S. Kumaran, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Shambhu S. Kumaran, the permanent representative of the Republic of India to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

April 28, 2024

Group DF International and Hyundai Engineering in Vienna: New Industrial Park in Ukraine

In an ambitious move to aid Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, Group DF International, led by controversial Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash, and Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd., have embarked on a major venture to establish a chemical industrial park in the city of Rivne, situated in Western Ukraine. This pivotal agreement was officially sealed in Vienna, setting the stage for what is poised to be one of the most substantial investment initiatives in the region.

April 15, 2024

Seventh OPEC-China Energy Talks in Vienna: Joint Focus on Sustainable Future and Energy Cooperation

The seventh high-level meeting of the OPEC-China Energy Dialogue took place in the Austrian capital. The meeting was hosted by the Secretariat of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), with key representatives from both sides discussing their visions and plans for the future of energy cooperation and sustainable development.

April 2, 2024

Vienna Airport Expands Cargo Traffic with Asia

Vienna Airport is setting new standards in international air cargo traffic through significant cooperation agreements with Incheon Airport in South Korea and the renowned airline Korean Air. These strategic alliances mark a decisive step towards increasing capacities and efficiency in the cargo sector between Europe and Asia and further strengthening Vienna's position as a leading hub in the air cargo industry.

February 28, 2024

Chinese BYD Strengthens Presence in Austria

Chinese car manufacturers are becoming increasingly present in the European car market and are openly demonstrating their role. The Chinese company BYD proudly presents its cars and other products on the Austrian market.

February 28, 2024

International Flair at the 75th Officers' Ball in Vienna

The Officers' Ball in Vienna attracted not only local guests but also an impressive number of international guests, underlining the importance of the event in the diplomatic calendar.

January 24, 2024

Vienna Forum Discusses New Standards for Afghanistan's Future: Focus on Inclusive Peace and Women

At the recent civil society forum held in Vienna ahead of the "3rd Vienna Conference for a Democratic Afghanistan", representatives of the Afghan diaspora from nine European countries met to discuss perspectives for the future of Afghanistan. The Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation (VIDC) hosted this important conference.

December 7, 2023

UNOOSA and Japan Foster Space Education with PNST Fellowship for Developing Countries

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), is offering a remarkable educational opportunity in the field of nano-satellite technologies.

November 28, 2023

China and OPEC Cement Economic Ties for a Sustainable Energy Future

In a landmark progression for global energy relations, China and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have significantly deepened their partnership, moving from a historical ideological alliance to a robust economic collaboration. This shift is set to have far-reaching implications for market stability and the sustainable development of the global energy sector.

November 9, 2023

FPÖ-Delegation Visits Taliban in Afghanistan

Several members of the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) traveled to Afghanistan and met, among others, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting became known through a press release from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, which also published a photo of the delegation.

September 25, 2023

Japanese Takeda Lays Foundation Stone for "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Urban Lakeside Aspern

In a symbolic act, the foundation stone was laid for Takeda's "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Seestadt Aspern. With an investment of around 120 million euros, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant represents the company's largest investment to date in Austria in a technically and ecologically optimized new building for biopharmaceutical research and development.

September 22, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations in Vienna

Ian David Grainge Biggs, Australia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Ian David Grainge Biggs, the new permanent representative of Australia to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

August 22, 2023

Vietnam and UN Strengthen Collaboration on Commercial Law Reforms

In a move to enhance cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations, a significant memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and the secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

August 21, 2023

Austrian and Korean Foreign Ministers Celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties at Salzburg Festival

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Republic of Korea, Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin visited the Salzburg Festival at the invitation of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The high-ranking politicians took the opportunity to discuss the good diplomatic and economic relations between their countries and to explore further opportunities for cooperation.

July 30, 2023

Austria and Vietnam Deepen Partnership in Economy and Politics

A significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and Vietnam was achieved with the visit of Vietnam's President Võ Văn Thưởng and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn to Vienna.

July 26, 2023

OSCE Asian Partners Conference: Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Common Challenges

The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference held in Vienna has brought together participants to discuss synergies and opportunities for cooperation with a particular emphasis on strengthening dialogue between the OSCE and Asia.

July 23, 2023

Diplomatic Trip to Styria: Between Business Location and Chocolate Paradise

After a break of several years due to COVID - Pandemic, the traditional diplomatic excursion finally took place again. This time, the ambassadors based in Austria had the opportunity to get to know the many facets of the local culture, innovative strength, and culinary delights in Styria.

June 29, 2023

Wirecard Trial: Entire Wirecard Asia Business Made Up

Wirecard's insolvency administrator, Michael Jaffe, has confirmed that the company's deal with supposed partners in Asia was completely fabricated, according to recent findings. This is according to Jaffe's fifth status report to the Munich District Court.

June 27, 2023

Meet the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria

The People's Republic of China has had a new ambassador in Austria for some time now. Meet Qi Mei, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria.

May 23, 2023

High-Level Meeting Between US and China Held in Vienna

After a prolonged period of silence between the US and China, a high-level meeting took place amid significant tensions. President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, met with China's top foreign policy official, Wang Yi, in Vienna.

May 15, 2023

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Attends Gymnich Meeting

At the Gymnich meeting in Stockholm in May 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg focused on the discussion of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU's relations with China.

May 15, 2023

India and Austria Sign Migration and Mobility Agreement

In a significant development, Austria and India have signed a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation on legal migration and repatriation.

May 14, 2023

Meet the Permanent Representative of China to the International Organizations in Vienna

Li Song, China's permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Li Song, the permanent representative of the People's Republic of China to the International Organizations in Vienna.

May 11, 2023