Makassar (Antara Bali) - The Swiss representative to Indonesia said his government would open a consulate in Makassar, S Sulawesi, to enhance bilateral cooperation in economic, education, health and tourism sectors.
"We expect the opening of the consulate in Makassar could be done in the middle of this year after the S Sulawesi regional administration and municipality give permissions," said Swiss Ambassador for Indonesia HeinznWalker-Nederkoorn in his meeting with Makassar Regent Ilham Arief Sirajuddin here on Thursday.
Nederkoorn said his country decided to open a consulate in Makassar because economic development in the region had been fast surpassing the national pace.
The establishment of the consulate in Makassar will deepen bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Switzerland which has already lasted for 40 years covering cooperation cooperation in trade, education and health research on endemic diseases including malaria.
The Ambassador said the Swiss government will help to promote several Indonesian tourism sites in the country as well as to assist the development of traditional handicrafts in Flores in W Nusa Tenggara.
"We will also assist the development of traditional handicraft industries in Makassar of S Sulawesi and Wakatobi of N Sulawesi," Nederkoorn said. (*/DWA)
