ABSTRACT
AUSTRIA: A GATEKEEPER FOR THE EAST The Republic of Austria, situated geographically, historically and culturally in the heart of Central Europe, is a highly developed industrialised nation with an important service sector (e.g. banking and finance). The main feature of Austria’s industrial and commercial sectors is a high proportion of small-and medium-sized enterprises. Austrian industry covers every branch of manufacture, from basic goods to the labour-intensive production of finished goods. Austrian industries are strongly export-oriented, with Germany the biggest traditional trading partner.
