REPORTING INFORMATION 

 On the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Austria and the 5th anniversary of the Center for German Studies, the section "The New Silk Road: Internal and External Factors" was held in the framework of the international scientific conference of students and young scientists "Farabi Alemi" on 12 April 2017.

The main speaker is the Economic Adviser and Head of the Trade Section of the Austrian Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan MICHAEL MUELLER spoke on the topic: "The Austrian Economy and the New Silk Road". A colorful film«What have Australians done for us?» dedicated to the Alpine Republic was both a kind of introduction to the topic of discussion, and a quiz. Students sought to correct name the famous sights of Austria, famous personalities, learn about the world-famous brands of Austrian companies, products, manufacturers. The most erudite and active students were awarded memorable jerseys with Austrian emblems. In his presentation, Muller showed Austria not only as a country of classical music and fine painting, but as a world trading power. He noted that his country with an attractive open economy has no geopolitical interests on the Silk Road, except for economic and trade. The export opportunities of Austria are great. For example, out of 55,000 trading companies-exporters - 10% belong to Austria. Today, trade between the EU and China amounts to 117 million tons, but already in 2020 will be 170 million tons. It brings Austria and Kazakhstan closer together that both states do not have direct access to the sea and forced to create multimodal logistics hubs that will provide trade on the New Silk Road. M. Muller answered many questions and took part in the discussion of students' speeches - Li Xiajuan (China), Akziya Wilmot, Mukhtar Ayapbergenov, Inkar Ospanova.

The dean of the International Relations Faculty K.N. Shakirov and the head of the department of International Relations and the World Economy E.S. Chukubaev attended the session of the section. The event was organized by prof. Mara Gubaidullina, docent Zhasira Idrysheva. (Center for German Studies KazNU named after al-Farabi).