Strong impetus for Chinese-Styrian economic cooperation

Last Friday, November 28, 2025, the ICS had the pleasure of welcoming a high-ranking delegation from the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Austria (VCUOE) to Graz. The delegation included representatives from leading industrial and technology sectors, among them Bank of China, ICBC, CCPIT, ZTE, HUAWEI, CRRC, PIA Automation China, as well as other company representatives from key industries.

The visit began at Magna Steyr, where the delegation gained concrete insight into Styrian automotive and manufacturing expertise through a plant tour and technical exchange. A round table at the Graz Landhaus then provided a platform for in-depth discussions. On the Styrian side, major companies such as AVL, ANDRITZ, AT&S, AL-KO Production Austria GmbH, Cargo Center Graz, and Sandvik took part, among others.

Topics discussed included:

• China’s Five-Year Plan and its key economic strategic priorities

• Styria’s key industries, ranging from mobility and digitalization to green tech

• concrete approaches for cooperation, R&D partnerships, and investment opportunities

The in-depth exchange underscored the strong mutual interest and confirmed that the potential in areas such as technology, production, sustainable industry, and logistics is significant and tangible for both sides.

About the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Austria (VCUOe)

Founded in 2017, the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Austria (VCUOe) aims to represent the interests of Chinese companies and organizations based in Austria; to support Chinese companies, companies with Chinese participation, and branches of such companies in Austria; to intensify communication with authorities in China and Austria; and to make a significant contribution to deepening mutual understanding and integration between the two peoples, as well as to expanding bilateral economic relations.

VCUOe has around 25 members, primarily major Chinese corporations with a branch in Austria, very often with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe as well. The Belt and Road Initiative (“One Belt, One Road”) aims to drive not only Chinese infrastructure investment but also the expansion of Chinese companies abroad. Members include ICBC Austria GmbH; Bank of China (a branch of the Hungarian subsidiary); Huawei (among other things, mobile communication towers); CRRC ZELC (the world’s largest locomotive manufacturer); the Austrian companies FAAC and ATB Austria Antriebstechnik, which are held by Chinese investors; as well as the new branch of the Vienna representative office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).