Business Agreements Worth US$20.5 Billion during European Visit: Jokowi

Warta Ekonomi -

WE Online, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that his official visits to European countries have yielded business-to-business agreements worth US$20.5 billion.

"There have been two outcomes I have achieved from these visits. The first is the trust that all businessmen in the European countries and European Union reposed in the economy of Indonesia," Jokowi stated here in a press conference after a tour of Europe, at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport on Saturday (23/4/2016).

The second outcome, the president pointed out, was the trust that European countries expressed in the role that Indonesia has been playing in establishing peace through advocacy of moderate Islam. Indonesias policies of economic deregulation 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 underscored the priority for entering cooperation with many countries. These included, for instance, cooperation between Indonesia and Germany focusing on education and vocational training schools.

"Vocational schools and vocational training are aimed at creating skilled manpower in accordance with the needs of the market and global competition," the president stated.

Then, Indonesia and the United Kingdom reinforced their cooperation in the field of creative economy and industries. Jokowi also expressed his pride in the Indonesian fashion products being sold in many shopping centers in London.

"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," Jokowi 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 remarked.

The president had paid a visit to the European countries from April 17 to 23, 2016, visiting Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands. During his visit, Jokowi also held meetings with members of the Indonesian community living in a number of countries. (Ant)