Kochi, Mar 9 (UNI) Offering Austria's cooperation in partnering the Indian industry's growth, the country's ambassador Jutta Stefan-Bastl suggested tourism and renewable energy sources as areas of cooperation.

Inaugurating the 26th annual convention of the Kerala Management Association here last evening, she said that Austria was ready to share its technological know-how with suitable partners in India.

Stating that her country specialised in machinery making, Dr Stafan-Bastl said this could be explored as a possible area of cooperation.

Austria, which received 24 million tourists last year, was a major tourist attraction in Europe and could work with states such as Kerala, which were focusing on tourism and Ayurveda, she added.

Giving an instance of growing cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador said that she would be inaugurating a joint venture here today between an Austrian and an Indian company to manufacture spices and food flavourants.

Also present on the occasion were Mr Subir Raha, president, All India Management Association and Mr Sunil K Zachariah, president of the Kerala Management Association.

Mr Suhas Gopinath, CEO, Globals Inc., attended as a special guest. Mr Gopinath, 21, is recognised as the world's youngest web-developer at 14 years and the world's youngest CEO at 17 years.

His company, headquartered in California, has offices in more than 10 countries and offers tailor made solutions in the fields of web, mobile, networking, e-commerce and software solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, he called upon the youth to tap their entrepreneurial talent and focus on skill building.

UNI