JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated that his official visits to European countries have yielded business-to-business agreements worth US$20.5 billion.
President pointed out that European countries have expressed that Indonesia has been playing active role in establishing peace through the advocacy of moderate Islam. Indonesia’s economic deregulation policies were also appreciated by a number of European countries, he remarked.
During his visit, the President and his entourage made a number of commitments and entered cooperation agreements with a number of countries. These included, for instance, cooperation between Indonesia and Germany focusing on education and vocational training schools. To follow up on the commitment, a German delegation will visit Indonesia in May.
Then, Indonesia and the United Kingdom reinforced their cooperation in the field of creative economy and industries, which will be followed up by the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf). Widodo also expressed his pride in the Indonesian fashion products being sold in many shopping centers in London.
While in Belgium, Indonesia, and the European Union (EU) held a discussion on scoping papers for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), which had been halted for years. The scoping papers will form the basis of negotiations on the CEPA.
“Belgium, or rather the European Union, really appreciated the speed with which we completed the scoping papers of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Now, we just need to proceed to the negotiations stage,” Widodo said.
Moreover, Indonesia and the Netherlands agreed on cooperation in the field of maritime and water management.
“Later in November, the Dutch Prime Minister will visit Indonesia along with business delegations,” the President said.
President Joko Widodo arrived back home on Saturday (April 23) after visiting Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium and Netherland. The President was welcome home by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and cabinet ministers including Coordinating Minister for the Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, State Apparatus Minister Yuddy Chrisnandi, Presidential Staff Head Teten Masduki, Police Chief Badrodin Haiti and Army Chief Gatot Nurmantyo. (*)