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November 25, 2009 13:54 PM

Green Technology New Chapter In Malaysia-Germany Relations, Says German Envoy

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Green Technology is set to be the new growth engine to further enhance Malaysia-Germany economic and political ties.

While Malaysia is fast moving forward to be a science-based country, Germany, an industrialised nation, has a lot to offer to Malaysian companies in areas the European country have proven track record.

German Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Gunter Gruber said his country could make significant contribution in the medical sector as a lot of new investments are coming into Malaysia.

"Though companies are enlarging investments to showcase Malaysia it was on the right track to proceed to the next level in the Information and Communications Technology sector, I think the new growth engine between Malaysia and Germany is any thing that is related to Green Technology," he told BERNAMA in an exclusive interview.

Stressing that Germany was undoubtedly the leader in Green Technology, Gruber said: " Our last biggest investment in Malaysia was by Q-Cells AG, the world's leading photo-voltaic company and largest solar cells manufacturer."

"I've a lot of faith that this marks the start of a new chapter in Green Technology.

"I firmly believe Malaysia can be a world leader in renewable energy applications as it has accepted that it must do something to address climate change.

"This is because Malaysia has plenty of sun, biomass, palm oil, abundant resources. These are instrumental for renewable energy.

"It just takes a political will and the people's support," said Gruber who was posted to Malaysia a year ago.

He said Malaysia was making good progress in addressing climate change issues as the leaders and the people are communicating and acting responsibly, adding that he had been engaged with Malaysia for the last 40 years.

"Malaysia is an important partner to Germany in this part of the world and a leading country in Asean. My country has excellent relations with Malaysia, not only politically but also economically and businees.

"We feel fantastic to be in Malaysia and be part of the next level of intensifying cooperation between Germany and Malaysia.

"I feel we have come a long way. We are one of the major trading partners with Malaysia. There are so many opportunities and room to enhance collaborations in other areas.

"I am very optimistic that we have a great future together," added Gruber who first came to Malaysia in 1967 as a backpacker tourist.

-- BERNAMA

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