Jokowi Asks Japan Not to Make Indonesia a Market Only
24 March 2015 14:02 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a collective courtesy call and business forum attended by Japanese business leaders and officials, President Joko Widodo asked Japan not to make Indonesia as a market only, but also as a strategic production base.
"I want Indonesia not only as a market but a production base for automotive and electronic components and all export oriented goods," the president said, promising he would help tackle problems in the field if the Japanese are serious in investing Indonesia.
He also pledged to follow up on problems often complained about by the Japanese investors in Indonesia.
Jokowi admitted there are many investment barriers in Indonesia, but the government has a strong commitment to make improvement.
"Indonesia wants to existing products exported—not as raw materials but finished or semi-finished goods," he said as Antara reported
Jokowi believes Japan has the experience and technology that can help Indonesia materialize its development programs.
Jokowi was accompanied by Chief Economics Minister Sofyan Djalil, State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto, BKPM head Franky Sibarani, and chairman of KADIN Suryo Bambang Sulisto.
The Collective Courtesy Call was attended by business associations and government agencies including the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, the Japan Chamber of Commerce, Jetro, the Friendship Exchange Council, and several leaders of Japan's large companies.
The meeting was a series of events in the President's state visit to Japan from March 22 to 25.
ANTARA | RR
