Dubai: Qatar and Austria have signed an agreement on double taxation and air transport during last week's visit of the Emir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, who was on a three-day visit to Vienna.

The emir held talks with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, emphasising the "excellent relations" between the two countries and the aim to improve relations even more in the future, according to a spokesperson in the president's office.

Until now, there were no tax regulations between the two countries, said Austrian State Secretary of Finance Andreas Schieder. He said the agreement was "an important [one] in the light of planned Austrian investments in the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2022 in Qatar.

"People involved in the talks said that Qatar is also seeking Austrian know-how in tourism on how to manage tourism facilities during the event. The tax agreement ensures that income and capital are not taxed twice. The agreement on air traffic provides the basis for future negotiations on, among other things, the number of flights between the two countries, the president's office said.

A delegation of businessmen from Qatar also met representatives of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce for talks on how to strengthen the economic relationships between the two countries.

Infrastructure projects

"The numerous infrastructure projects in Qatar can be seen as very promising opportunities for Austrian companies," said Christoph Leitl, president of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

He said he was expecting "impulses" for the construction industry and for building suppliers, in the sectors of energy, environment and railway infrastructure, as more than 30 per cent of Qatar's budget has been allocated to infrastructure projects.

According to statistics from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, obtained by Gulf News, Austrian exports to Qatar fell 33.7 per cent to ¤84.7 million (Dh416.56 million) in 2009, after exports rose by a record 70 per cent in 2008 to ¤127.8 million. In the first half of 2010, Austrian exports to Qatar were valued at ¤30 million.