VIENNA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today welcomes more foreign direct investment from Austria apart from strengthening the bilateral relationship from the European Union country.
The prime minister said during the 40 minutes meeting with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz at the Federal Chancellery here, the focus of discussion is on economic as Malaysia knew Austria had good industrial companies (to cooperate with).
“There are more things that Austria can offer and Austria is a very good market for Malaysian products. We will also welcome more foreign direct investment from Austria.
“We know that the trade volume is not very big but substantial. So the investment can increase the volume trade between the two countries,” he said to reporters from Malaysia and local during a joint press conference with Kurz.
Dr Mahathir said he also had a very good discussion with Kurz about what is happening in Malaysia.
Dr Mahathir said Austria is also involved with the Langkawi cable car project.
“(Hopefully) more Austrian tourists come to Malaysia. A lot of Malaysians who loves music came here (Austria),” Dr Mahathir said.
Meanwhile Kurz, being the youngest leader in the world at 32, said he is grateful with meeting Dr Mahathir who is the most experienced and oldest leader in the world.
“As a young leader I have much to learn from him. I am grateful meeting the most experienced and oldest leader in the world. I thanked him for taking the time to meet me.
“We see great potential with Malaysia in the areas of energy and infrastructure sector. We can also work more closer to improve our relationship and need to intensify bilateral and economic in the future,” he said.
Kurz said Austria had 860 million Euro investment yearly with 70 companies operating in Malaysia.
Later, Dr Mahathir also met Federal President of the Republic of Austria Dr Alexander Van der Bellen at the Maria Theresa Room at the Hofburg Palace nearby. – Bernama
