CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 04/2015

LE MONDE SUMMIT
LE MONDE PROMOTION
EXPO Milan:
New impetus for export
and tourism
“When the EU maintains (the sanctions), than we reciprocate in a similar way.“
Lyubinskiy: It is not the end of the world.
There are already agreements in place so
that the elections in the Donbass could be
postponed to February 2016. This means
that not all of the Minsk Agreements can
be implemented on time. We will need to
extend the deadlines. It is important to follow
the right order when implementing the
Minsk Agreements.
Haindl: We are all faced with the challenge
of implementing the Minsk Agreement in
full. I hear with some satisfaction that we
both see this as a priority. Of course, the
goal is: the territorial integrity of Ukraine
has to be granted. This is what it is all about.
Lyubinskiy: Without a question. Absolutely.
As a part of these negotiations, would it be
possible to come to a solution regarding the
sanctions that can be carried out in partial stages,
a gradual loosening?
Haindl: There is an important reason for
the sanctions: the unsolved conflict in Ukraine,
including Crimea. The Minsk Agreement
was drawn up to solve the conflict in
Eastern Ukraine. Once this agreement has
been implemented, then we will most certainly
be able to discuss lifting the sanctions
as the implementation of this agreement
is the key indicator for the economic
sanctions. The sanctions regarding the annexation
of Crimea are a totally different
matter.
Lyubinskiy: We weren‘t the ones who started
the sanctions. But it seems as though
everything depends on whether Russia fulfils
the Minsk Agreement. But Russia cannot
do so by itself. In February 2015 and in
September 2014, when Minsk Agreements
I and II were made, the sanctions were
tightened practically on the very same
days. I do understand: there is a bureaucratic
process in Brussels, that many things
cannot be stopped. But it is hard to believe
that this was simply a coincidence. The experience,
we made in this situation, has
taught us a lesson. When the EU maintains
that there can be no “business as usual”,
then we reciprocate in a similar way. There
is no one more interested than Russia in
fully implementing the regulations in Ukraine.
But we also know that our important
partners in the West, especially business
partners, are very interested in seeing the
sanctions lifted as soon as possible. Full cooperation
is needed within the framework
of the Minsk Process so that all relevant
parties can play their roles and not only
Russia is blamed and criticised for everything.
There are two sides to this process:
the ruling power in Kiev and the people in
the Donbass. Russia is only a part of the
whole process. Not a counterpart of Ukraine.
Haindl: We should not underestimate
Moscow‘s role and influence on the conflicting
parties. There is clear evidence that
the pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine
are receiving military support from
Moscow. It all comes down to this: how can
we ensure that international law is adhered
to, that the principles we agreed upon in
the Helsinki Process come into their own?
Germany will be taking over the OSCE
chairmanship in 2016 and we hope that we
can make more progress with these issues.
After all, it is a matter of pan-European cooperation
and security.
Lyubinskiy: That‘s an important point.
The OSCE has regained in significance
over the last year. It is important to discuss
the situation right here in Vienna. We fully
supported Germany‘s candidacy for the
chairmanship and are also pleased that
Austria will follow in 2017.
Haindl: Again: the sanctions are not an
end unto themselves. They have been imposed
for a reason. When this reason ceases
to exist, and we are working on this,
then the relationship with Russia will become
more intensive again. Because the
“Common European Home”, to quote Mikhail
Gorbachev, can only be built with Russia.
Will there also be talks on the approximation of
the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union?
Lyubinskiy: That is one of the most important
questions regarding European development.
I would like to remind you of a
speech made by our president, Vladimir
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
PHOTOS: EXPO-AUSTRIA • ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG
2.4 million visitors round off the impressive track record
of Austria‘s appearance at Milan‘s World Exposition. This
opens up new chances and perspectives for our economy.
The creative concept of a forest realm evoked
tremendous popularity both with the public
and among experts. International media
ranked Austria‘s contribution among the exposition‘s
highlights. Social media managers of all countries
selected our appearance the most beautiful of all
EXPO, and just before the finals, a very special distinction
was awarded: Italy‘s Environment Ministry
and EXPO 2015 SpA distinguished Austria‘s contribution
for its sustainable architecture.
A genuine freshness boost: breathe Austria
The inner surface of the pavilion, which opened
up on top, was abundantly planted with a dense forest.
Lush plant splendour and sophisticated fog effects
provided for a unique freshness boost and unparalleled
air quality amid the EXPO hustle and
bustle. Trees up to twelve metres high created a
unique experience of nature and pleasant cooling -
all without air conditioning.
Austria thus succeeded in utilizing the country‘s
quality of air and of life and in generating impetus for
green cities of the future. Thanks to its special design
of nature, the EXPO appearance supported by
Austria‘s Ministry of Economy and Economic Cham-
bers appealed to emotions and thus, fostered further
intensification of relations with Italy. This summer,
tourism saw a renaissance of guests from Italy: Arrivals
and overnight stays increased considerably.
Transfer effects for export and tourism
Export expects a transit effect, too. After Germany,
Italy is Austria‘s second most important trading
partner. Trade flows are particularly intense with
Northern Italy. 85 percent of Austria‘s Italy-bound
exports go to this region. And the majority of
Austria‘s 300 subsidiaries in Italy is situated there.
Austrian companies established new contacts at
some 170 events around the pavilion; 1,900 Austrian
and international groups and delegation were guided
through the presentation. EXPO opens up new perspectives
especially for energy and environmental technologies,
food processing and the timber industry.
Export initiative „go international“ prolonged
Austria‘s Ministry of Economy and Economic
Chambers support export activities of our companies
by the promotion programme „go international“.
What is new in the context of this initiative that
has just been prolonged to the year 2019 is so-called
Europe bonds for small and medium sized enterprises
- they fund direct market access expenses in new
markets. In addition, such bonds are available for
distant markets and for marketing innovation in order
to promote diversification of export flows.
More information available online under
www.go-international.at
48 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2015