Austria is a rather more industrious nation than the picturesque images of Alpine contentment might suggest. With its well-developed market economy, a robust industrial sector and a high standard of living, this EU member nation is consolidating on its strengths, and making the most of its proximity to large EU markets.
It is also very much a global player, and despite its landlocked location, trade between Austria and Hong Kong is booming.
According to Maria Moya-Gotsch, Consul General of Austria: 'Last year was another good year for bilateral trade: Hong Kong imported goods from Austria worth HK$4.7billion, more than ever before. And the overall volume of trade between Hong Kong and Austria reached HK$9.3billion in 2006, an unprecedented level.
'These figures reflect Austria's fast-growing exchange of goods with the Asia-Pacific region in general and with mainland China in particular. Indeed, the Austrian Trade Commission in Hong Kong estimates that a third of Austria's trade with China passes through Hong Kong.'
There are now more than 70 Austrian companies with a presence in Hong Kong, a figure that is anticipated to rise in tandem with swelling trade ties.
Many Austrian goods and services form a surprisingly important part of what Hongkongers, and visitors, take for granted as part of everyday life in this city.