AUSTRIA has sent its largest-ever trade delegation to China to strengthen the foundation of what the Alpine country sees as a new economic and political order tilting east toward Asia.

About 150 Austrian company representatives led by President Alexander Van der Bellen arrived in Beijing on Saturday.

“We’ll discuss what the geopolitical shift from a transatlantic world order to a Pacific one means,” Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl told reporters. “Regarding the economy, 80 percent of our exports are focused on European markets, so there is room for improvement in Asia — which is much more than China.”

Austria’s delegation, which also includes Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, underscores China’s growing role in trade and technology. Austrian executives expect the Belt and Road Initiative to spur demand of climate-friendly technologies like batteries and electric cars. The Belt and Road Initiative has invested than US$60 billion in countries participating in the transport network.

Austrian companies will present their products for potential customers in the energy, infrastructure, aviation and security sectors. Christoph Leitl, the head of Austria’s chamber of commerce, is accompanied by senior executives from companies including Erste Group Bank AG, Andritz AG and Red Bull GmbH.

Companies are planning to sign about 30 contracts worth 1.5 billion euros (US$1.8 billion) during their visit, according to Economy Minister Margarete Schramboeck.(SD-Agencies)