AUSTRIA ambassador Dr Michael Postl has expressed his interest in sharing expertise with regard to the development in Penang.
“We are very much keen on Penang and its development projects, such as the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP),” said Postl during his courtesy visit to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the lunch break of the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Postl was accompanied by the honorary consul Berthold Jungwirth.
“One of the Austrian companies, Siemens Mobility, is here in Malaysia since 1980’s. Perhaps, they could provide assistance for the PTMP.
“I also understand that Penang is now looking into the construction of a cable car project at Penang Hill.
“On this matter, Austrian company Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, which is an expert in cable cars, can also assist the state,” he added.
He said Austria was willing to help Penang on urban solutions and invited delegates from Penang to his country to explore their expertise.
“Maybe you can send your experts to Vienna to know more about our technical expertise, for instance in waste management.
“We can have a mutual sharing (of knowledge and skills) session rather than one way,” Postl said.
Other than that, Postl also expressed Austria’s interest in contributing to the medical tourism in Penang through its company PharMed Austria.
Chow said Penang would be conducting a feasibility study first before proceeding with the cable car project.
The Chief Minister said Penang is open to new ideas in developing the state as well as embracing best practices and a good governance in terms of the environment.
Also present during the courtesy visit was the state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who shared his interest in exploring the central European market (tourism).
“We are working towards expanding Penang’s tourism to the central European countries. Culturally, Vienna is famous and is also regarded as the capital of music,” Yeoh said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting