Malaysia welcomes more FDI from Austria

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Dr Mahathir during a press conference with Kurz (right) at the Federal Chancellery. — Bernama photo

VIENNA: Malaysia welcomes more foreign direct investment (FDI) from Austria besides strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there is more things that Austria could offer Malaysia, while Austria is a very good market for Malaysian products.

“We 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 told Malaysian reporters during a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz following a bilateral meeting at the Federal Chancellery here yesterday.

The focus of the 40-minute discussion was economic potentials of the two countries.

Dr Mahathir said Austria is also involved in the Langkawi cable car project and he expressed hope that more Austrians would visit Malaysia.

“A lot of Malaysians who love music came here (Austria),” he quipped.

Meanwhile Kurz, being the world’s youngest leader at 32, said he was overwhelmed with the opportunity of meeting Dr Mahathir who is the world’s most experienced and oldest leader.

“As the youngest leader, I have much to learn from him. I am grateful that 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. We can also work closer to improve our relationship and we need to intensify bilateral and economic (ties) in the future,” he said.

Kurz said Austria’s investment in Malaysian totalled 860 euros million yearly through 70 Austrian companies.

Later, Dr Mahathir paid a courtesy call on Austrian President Dr Alexander Van der Bellen at the Maria Theresa Room, the Hofburg Palace nearby. — Bernama