Austria banks on spirit of innovation to forge deeper ties with Hong Kong

This year marks a special anniversary: 160 years since Austria was first represented in Hong Kong by a consul appointed by the then Austrian emperor Francis Joseph. This heralded the start of relations and Austria's official presence as one of the first nations in the striving "fragrant harbour". Subsequently, our ties have expanded, with solid bilateral trade and economic relations as well as cultural and education exchanges now at an all-time high.

The rising influx of Austrian companies to Hong Kong - some 230 enterprises have settled here and the number has doubled in the past five years - is resulting in a steadily growing Austrian community in the city - with some 700 Austrians, it is the largest Austrian expat community in Asia, which goes to show how attractive the city has become to us.

It is a community that bubbles over with energy, entrepreneurship, creativity and ingenuity. The success stories of famous Austrian Hongkongers, such as Dr Helmut Sohmen, Anthony Hardy and Henry Steiner, testify to the immense qualities that Austrians bring to the city.

Despite the long history of Austrian business investment, little is known of Austrian influence in Hong Kong. Yet, Austrian footprints in the city are remarkable: Henry Steiner, for instance, designed the Standard Chartered bank notes. And only an Austrian company, Waagner Biro, could guarantee the stability of the Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's second-longest span suspension bridge at the time of completion, while the entire air-to-ground communication system in Hong Kong is provided by the Austrian company Frequentis.

Although Austria is known for its rich cultural past and present, its companies, the so-called "hidden champions", are pioneers in their respective industries, and are outstanding in high-end technology and manufacturing and environmental technology, especially in renewable energy and water. Austrian companies have provided cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to some of Hong Kong's pressing ecological challenges. Such technology can be found in several key environmental projects, such as the new thermal sewage sludge treatment plant in Deep Bay. The world's largest multi-feedstock biodiesel plant in Hong Kong was built by an Austrian company, BDI-BioEnergy International.

Building on this 160-year-old solid foundation, it is the joint objective of the Austrian consulate and the Austrian Trade Commission to help strengthen bilateral ties by enhancing exchanges and opportunities in trade, investment, education, urban innovation, creative industries, culture and the arts.