JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - United Kingdom has assured its commitment to strengthen bilateral relationship with Indonesia despite its exit from the EU is under process and voiced its interest to be involved in various infrastructure projects being developed by Indonesia on a massive scale, a top government official said.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution said the cooperation between the two countries has been going well so far. Amid slowing global trade, the total trade value between UK and Indonesia in last year reached US$2.5 billion or growing 5.5% from 2015.
“The two governments, both Indonesian and UK, are aware of the need for indepth discussion on improving cooperation in trade, one of them by overcoming barriers of trade and investment between the two countries,” he said.
On that occasion, he also invited the UK government to encourage their investors to invest in Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia has undertaken reformed policies in order to make Indonesia to become more friendly to investors. As a result, Indonesia become one of the top performers in the ease of doing business (EoDB) rankings compiled by the World Bank.
“The Indonesian government also opened up opportunities for foreign investment by providing a 100% FDI in the tourism sector, film industry, raw materials for pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce market,” he added.
Meanwhile, UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox said after the Brexit, the UK government seeks to improve bilateral relations with the potential countries including Indonesia. Indonesia has also become an important market for UK.
“Indonesia is one of the priority market for creative products, particularly UK lifestyle products as well as main sources of foreign students for higher education in the UK,” added Liam.
In addition, Liam also said the two countries agreed to encourage cooperation more closely. He expressed the interest to be involved in various infrastructure projects in Indonesia. UK has been known for infrastructure expert especially in making the design and financial planning.
“We have handled many infrastructure projects. We have the expertise to complete projects that are considered strategic for both countries. So we had a discussion to explore opportunities for cooperation,” he said.
Deputy for International Economic Cooperation Rizal Affandi Lukman said more intensive meetings between two countries will be held in May 2017 to discuss infrastructure projects which can be offered to UK. According to him, UK considers Indonesia as one of the potential of emerging countries. Hence, UK investors was interesting to invest in Indonesia. (RF)