Mahathir welcomes more FDI from Austria

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that he welcomes more foreign direct investment from Austria, in addition to strengthening the bilateral relationship with the European Union country.

The prime minister said that the focus of his 40-minute meeting with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna was on the economy, as Malaysia knew Austria had good industrial companies to co-operate with.

"There is 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 of trade between the two countries," he said to reporters from Malaysia and Austria during a joint press conference with Kurz.

Mahathir said he also had a very good discussion with Kurz about what is happening in Malaysia.

The premier added that Austria is also involved with the Langkawi cable car project.

“(Hopefully) more Austrian tourists come to Malaysia. A lot of Malaysians who love music came here (Austria),” Dr Mahathir said.

Meanwhile Kurz, being the youngest leader in the world at 32, said he is grateful to meet Mahathir, who is currently the oldest leader in the world.

"As the youngest leader, I have much to learn from him. I am grateful to meet 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 closely to improve our relationship, and need to intensify bilateral and economic (ties) in the future," he said.

Kurz said Austria invested 860 million euros yearly with 70 companies operating in Malaysia.

Later, 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