Official Opening Of The New Austrian Embassy Building In Qatar

12 Dec 2011

At the official opening of the new Austrian Embassy in Qatar in the presence of Austrian President Heinz Fischer, State Secretary Waldner explained the new concept as follows: "We have introduced a new embassy concept here in Doha, an efficient and cost-saving pilot project where the Austrian Foreign Ministry and the Austrian Economic Chamber share the same premises."

"Given the budgetary situation it is important to achieve great effects with limited means", the State Secretary said. "With this new set-up we are able to contribute our share to extending business relations and securing jobs in Austria."

The embassy project is tailored to the current dynamic situation in Qatar and is intended as an opportunity for Austrian businesses to benefit from the prospects on the market of this small booming state in the Middle East.

Dr. Roland Hauser, who has been appointed the new Austrian Ambassador, will work from Vienna and Sieglinde Fedele Di Catrano will be the chargé d'affaires of the Austrian Foreign Ministry in Doha; she will share an office with colleagues from the Austrian Economic Chamber. This "Embassy light" model helps to keep costs low while yielding great advantages in accordance with the principle of doing more with fewer resources, especially for export-oriented Austrian businesses.

In his opening speech, the State Secretary also said "changes in world politics and the budgetary framework call for optimisation and flexible adjustment of Austria's representations abroad".