Austrian head lauds China's 'meteoric' economy

"Meteoric, impressive and challenging" are the three words that the Austrian president used to describe China's economic achievements during the past four decades when speaking ahead of his state visit to China.

Alexander Van der Bellen will lead a large delegation on the trip between April 7 and April 12. He will be accompanied by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

The visit has been dubbed "historic" because it marks the first time in more than three decades that both Austria's president and its chancellor have simultaneously visited the same country.

"Bilateral relations will be further intensified on many levels as an outcome of our visit and the dynamics of our relations will receive a fresh impetus," Van der Bellen said.

He said China's economic growth has been meteoric because it developed from a largely agrarian society into the world's second-biggest economy in such a short space of time.

China has consistently enjoyed growth rates of more than 6 or 7 percent and has had an extended period above 9 percent, something Van der Bellen said was impressive. But he said the fast rise comes along with challenges and noted that the transition toward growth and prosperity has been accompanied by vast and unprecedented social changes.

During the six-day visit, Van der Bellen and Kurz will meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing before flying to Hainan province in Southern China for the annual Boao Forum for Asia. The visit will also take the two leaders to Chengdu, Sichuan province, for an economic forum.

Van der Bellen shares Xi's views on building a community with a shared future.

"China has assumed a key responsibility in protecting our planet and our wildlife," he said. "For example, by banning all trade in ivory and ivory products, a decision by the president which entered into force only a few months ago and which is already showing positive effects."

Another global challenge is climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Van der Bellen said: "Cooperation on the international level between the European Union and China is key for the future of our planet, in particular with a view to the Climate Change Conference later this year."

On the subject of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said Austria supports and welcomes it and he noted that Austria was also a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Van der Bellen believes the Belt and Road Initiative presents a range of opportunities for China and Austria, particularly in the realm of investment in third-party countries.

"Austria offers world-class expertise in a host of areas, above all infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and sustainable technologies," he said. "It is my expectation that, in our discussions, we will focus on concrete projects and proposals, which will benefit both our countries."

Austria and China have enjoyed strong and intensive relations for almost 50 years, but Van der Bellen said there is potential for improvement in the areas of sustainability, culture and science.

As far as investment is concerned, he believes that any projects that are being implemented should bear a clear and concrete benefit for both sides, and should be based on a level playing field.

"The European Union's relationship with China is defined by a Strategic Partnership, which provides a platform to discuss and explore areas of mutual interest," Van der Bellen said. "Austria is open to consider any ways in which this partnership can be developed even further, on an eye-to-eye basis."