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By APD writer Maverick
JAKARTA, Sept. 8 (APD) — Indonesia and neighboring country of Singapore were keen to explore further cooperation in digital technology and tourism sectors with various projects have been seriously discussed by leaders of the two nations during sessions to observe golden jubilee of Indonesia-Singapore diplomatic relations.
“We did the meeting here to represent governments of the two countries. Singapore has the technology and man-made resources. Indonesia has abundance of natural resources, cultural attractions and destinations. The synergy between the two would strengthen each other,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in Singapore presidential palace on Thursday on the sidelines of his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In tourism sector the cooperation which has been intensively discussed by delegations of the two countries were development of joint destinations, joint-operation of cruise ships, development of cruise ship terminals, investments in tourism infrastructure and development of MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition).
Indonesia’s territory adjacent to Singapore, Batam, has been proposed as the ideal location for the cooperation between the two nations in the two sectors.
In digital technology cooperation, development of digital park cluster in Batam’s Nongsa and several technological facilities, including start-up incubator center, IT trainings center in other locations in Batam have been proposed by Indonesia.
“This year we celebrate 50 years of our diplomatic ties. Singapore has been an ultimate partner to Indonesia in trade, investment and tourism and likewise of Indonesia to Singapore,” President Widodo said.
Responding to Indonesia’s proposals, premier Loong warmly welcomed it, saying that Indonesia’s positive economy growth records that constantly perch at higher level in the region has prompted Singapore to undoubtedly intensify its cooperation and investing in Indonesia.
“We reciprocally received tourists from the respective countries. Indonesian economy has been growing steadily and positive. We have great chances to further develop our economy ties. The two governments and business people have been strongly cooperate since long ago. This time the investment would
be more focused in tourism sector,” premier Loong said in the occasion.
Speaking in a business forum held to observe the two countries’ golden jubilee,
Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that Singapore has received around 15.5 million tourists annually with millions others transiting in Changi airport before continued to their next trips.
“Setting up tourism cooperation with Singapore is very effective as it is a hub that serves tourists who come from all directions in the world. Singapore is a gate for tourists before entering ‘another world next door’, Indonesia, which only a few minutes or hours away,” he said, adding that intensifying Indonesian tourism promotion in Singapore would be effective to grab more foreign tourists.
Singapore is major tourist supplier to Indonesia in the last several year. The Southeast Asia state city is also a largest investor in Indonesia.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
