EXPO 2025: Van der Bellen and Hattmannsdorfer Travel to Japan

The occasion is participation in the EXPO 2025 in Osaka, complemented by an economic forum and political talks in Tokyo. Afterwards, a state visit to Mongolia is planned.

Van der Bellen and Hattmannsdorfer Open Austria Pavilion at EXPO 2025

The focus of the trip is the official opening of the Austrian pavilion at EXPO 2025, which will also be attended by Crown Princess Kiko of Akishino on May 23. The EXPO expects more than 28 million visitors. Austria will present itself with over 65 events and around 140 companies. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, a central goal of the trip is the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japanese Ministry of Economic Affairs. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in research, hydrogen technology, and the start-up sector. Bilateral trade volume reached a record level of 4.6 billion euros in 2023. According to surveys, there is further export potential of around 1.5 billion euros - particularly in mechanical engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.

Japan Important Partner for Austria - Growth Potential in Tourism

Japan is also an important investment partner: Around 170 Japanese companies are active in Austria, many with responsibility for the entire CEE region. They employ more than 5,000 people, mainly in research-related areas. The Austrian pavilion at the EXPO is themed "Composing the Future" and focuses on sustainable design, digital technologies, and interactive exhibits. Over 90 innovation projects from areas such as green tech, life sciences, digitalization, mechanical engineering, and circular economy will be showcased. In the run-up to the EXPO, more than 400 economic and networking events related to Japan have been organized since 2023. Tourism is also part of the foreign economic strategy: In 2024, over 105,000 Japanese guests traveled to Austria. The "Tourism Week" planned for June at the EXPO offers Austrian regions a platform to position themselves in the Asian market.

Second Part of the Trip Leads to Mongolia

Following the Japan program, Federal President Van der Bellen is expected in Mongolia for a two-day state visit on May 26. In addition to an official reception by President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, a business roundtable on economic cooperation is planned.

(APA/Red)

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