On Wednesday, headed by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the delegation of over 200 people included 100 from the business community. It is the largest delegation ever, which included Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and members of the business community. The Austrians chose Chengdu as the last stop on their six-day trip to China, as the country's west sees rapid growth.

China and Austria have agreed to establish a strategic partnership and expand cooperation. Here in Chengdu, more joint efforts have been made in science, infrastructure, financial services and tourism. The opening of the Austrian Consulate General will attract more investment and potential cooperation for both sides. It will help Austrian companies find partners and work more closely with people in China's west. 

The president of the Eurochambres, Christoph Leitl, said that all sectors, all branches, all sizes of companies are with us, by far the largest economic delegation in the country, and that shows huge interest to strengthen the ties between Austria and China. We are here to understand not only the opportunities, but the people and the culture. The fields of tourism, manufacturing, technology, energy conservation, bio-pharmaceuticals, and education will be major targets for investment.  

In 1983 and 2016, Chengdu became "sister cities" with the Austrian cities of Linz and Vienna. In 2017, nine Austrian companies invested in Sichuan.

Experts note that there's plenty of room for trade ties to grow between Austria and China.

The Head of the International Technology Cooperation of Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Birgit Murr said that so many Austrian companies are eager to learn about the opportunities here, they want to know how they can find the partners here to do business with. They also think of the investment. First there needs to be project for companies to make cooperation, and if there is strong cooperation then can make investment. So this is the target for next five to ten years. 

Austria will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union this July, giving it greater influence to boost China-EU ties. And that will bring an abundance of opportunities for both China and Austria, and benefit southwest China.