Jokowi Seeks To Woo UAE Investors To Venture In Indonesia

Abu Dhabi (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is seeking to woo Mideast investors  especially from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to venture in Indonesia.

Jokowi on a visit to a number of Middle East countries is asking UAE investors to take part in the country's development projects.

"We are aware  that we are behind in providing infrastructure, therefore, we have to start building infrastructure. We are also expanding and modernizing ones we already have that would  support  mid and long term  economic development," Jokowi said at a busienss and investment forum  here on Sunday afternoon.

Jokowi said there are a number of infrastructure projects in which  foreign investors  could be involved.

"Indonesia is concentrating on  infrastructure development such as development of 24 seaports, 15 airports, 1,000 kilometers of toll roads, 2,600 kilometers of highways between provinces, 49 dams and power plants with a capacity of 35,000 megawatts. We care also building mass transport facilities in 23 big cities in our country," he told  the group of UAE business leaders.

He said Indonesia is set to become more industrialized with the development program.

"In a bid to simplify economic development bureaucracy, the government has launched US$24 billion program package for infrastructure projects , but participation of the private investors  is needed," he said.

The president hoped that the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia could expand economic cooperation.

In the same forum , UAE Economic Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri described Indonesia  as highly potential  and an 'attractive' investment destination.

"Indonesia is also attractive for tourists. This meeting is expected to serve to expand and strengthen cooperation between the two countries," the minister said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce  and Industry(Kadin) Suryo Bambang Sulistio said the government of Indonesia is set to create  and maintain favorable  investment climate to provide greater investment convenience.

"The President has backgrounds  and maintains policy  that would support the business sector. Only a few day ago he launched a policy package to facilitate business development," Suryo said.

Also present at the forum were Coordinating Minister for Economy Darmin Nasution, Trade Minister Thomas Lembong, Foreign Minister  Retno Marsudi, National Development Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil  and Presidential special envoy for Middle East Alwi Shihab and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Later in the day, the president said the government would continue to encourage expansion of market for Indonesian commodities in Middle East.

He said he had asked the owner of a big retailer in Abu Dhabi, Lulu, to sell more Indonesian commodities. (WDY)