Bilateral Relations - Austria and South Africa
Bilateral relations
Austria and South Africa have entertained relations already in the 19th century. Austria established a Consulate in Cape Town in 1852.
Since 1956, Austria is represented in South Africa through the Embassy in Pretoria. South Africa's Embassy in Vienna is also accredited to the International Organisations resident in Vienna.
Ambassador Otto Ditz has presented his credentials to President Kgalema Motlanthe on 10 October 2008.
Africa
- development cooperationPhoto: ÖB.Pretoria
Austrian Business in South Africa
- architecturePhoto: ÖB.Pretoria
It has not been an easy year to promote Africa as a whole and especially South Africa. Nontheless, the Austrian Trade Commission is organising a large event held in Vienna - "Going to South Africa" that will highlight South Africa as a destination for Austrian exports, investments and as a stepping stone into Sub-Saharan Africa.
Overall, South Africa remains Austria's most important business partner on the African continent. Of Austria's total exports to the African continent, 37,7% go to South Africa.
The Austrian Business Circle is an active group of Austrian entrepreneurs in the Gauteng region, which organises networking events. In August, a "Heurigen" Event featured Clem Sunter - who until recently was Chairman of the Anglo American Chairman's Fund.
