SA, Austria commit to deepening trade relations
As part of the working visit, South Africa and Austria signed a number of treaties, committing to working together in sectors like energy, agriculture and the arts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa (right) talks to Austria President Alexander van der Bellen during a welcoming ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 4 July 2025. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa and Austria have committed to deepening trade relations between the two nations.
Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen is currently in Pretoria on a four-day working visit.
This is the first time an Austrian head of state has visited the country.
As part of the working visit, South Africa and Austria signed a number of treaties, committing to working together in sectors like energy, agriculture and the arts.
South Africa remains Austria’s biggest trading partner in Africa.
At a joint business forum on Friday, Ramaphosa said that about 70 Austrian companies currently operate in the country, with more on the way.
"And we will say without any form of apology that South Africa is the gateway into the African continent due to the infrastructure we have, level of governance, rule of law that exists in this country and the measures we have taken to make South Africa an investable country."
Over the next three days, the Austrian delegation will be meeting with South African ministers and business to explore opportunities of mutual benefit.