President Joko Widodo hails UAE, Indonesia relations

President of Indonesia Joko Widodo has stressed the depth and strength of the relations between the UAE and Indonesia, calling on businessmen, investors and Emirati companies to step up their investments in Indonesia, especially in infrastructure, transport and power production sectors.

He underlined that his government was ready to provide all forms of support and assistance to facilitate the UAE investments in Indonesia.

Addressing the UAE-Indonesia Business Forum organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) on Sunday evening, President Widodo said, "The Indonesian government is working on the development of infrastructure and education and to increase its budget so as to contribute effectively to the sustainable development process. These plans include the construction of airports, new roads, dams, power generation facilities and the development of comprehensive transportation, as well as other development plans in 23 major cities across Indonesia."

He added that these projects provide unique investment opportunities for the UAE companies to boost their investment and presence in the country's markets.

The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

The forum was also attended by Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Mohammed Ghobash, Minister of State, Thomas Lembong, Indonesia's Minister of Trade, Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, First Deputy Chairman of the ADCCI Board of Directors, Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Franky Sibarani, ADCCI Board members, CEOs and General Managers of over 200 Emirati and Indonesia companies and representatives of economic institutions of both countries.

Al Mansouri welcomed the President of Indonesia and the accompanying delegation. He also thanked the ADCCI for holding the forum, hoping that it would come up with feasible resolutions that could further strengthen cooperation and historic bonds between the leadership and peoples of both friendly countries.

He added that the relations between the UAE and Indonesia has seen remarkable growth since the inception of diplomatic ties in 1976. Al Mansouri noted that the UAE is the major trade partner for Indonesia in the GCC, adding that the non-oil trade exchange between the two countries stood at about US$2 billion in 2014, up by 22 per cent compared to 2013.

Al Mansouri said the UAE is among major 18 markets for the Indonesian exports, while Indonesia is among 11 countries the UAE imports commodities from.

He added that the UAE takes interest in the foreign investments with a number of countries, including Indonesia. He added that such investments focus on vital projects, including transport, oil, gas, hotels and restaurants.

Al Mansouri said the current visit of President Widodo to the country during which he met Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces "constitutes a landmark in the track of distinguished relations between the two countries, as it opens more avenues for cooperation."

He added that given Indonesia's huge water resources and fertile soil, it is a basket for food, adding that the UAE looks forward to establishing a partnership with Indonesia to invest in the agricultural sector in the best interest of two parties.

Meanwhile, Al Mahmoud said that the ADCCI was fully prepared to support interested Indonesian companies seeking to operate and invest in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Source: WAM