Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has called for the immediate implementation of the Tech Talent Employment Program with Singapore following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2023.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, made the statement during a bilateral meeting with Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, at the Indonesia-Singapore Business Forum (2024 ISBF) in Singapore on March 27.

"We must encourage the implementation of the employment cooperation program agreement on tech talent mobility to be realized immediately," Hartarto said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Currently, Indonesia and Singapore are preparing technical designs to implement the MoU.

A pilot project will be launched initially, involving a limited number of applicants and participating companies.

On the occasion, Yong also emphasized the importance of utilizing industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (KEK).

Economic zones have been proven to create a multiplier effect for various business sectors. Their growth is directly tied to government-provided financial incentives, including tax holidays and allowances.

Yong also invited Hartarto to attend and participate in the IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum in June in Singapore.

The two ministers also agreed to conduct a 6th Working Group (WG) ministerial meeting in conjunction with the Investor Forum.

"We hope the 6th WG Cooperation Ministerial Level Meeting can be held before the leaders' meeting," Hartarto stated.

The 2024 ISBF was held with the theme "Beyond the Ballot: Shaping the Future of Business and Investment in Indonesia."

This is a discussion forum between the highest executives of Singaporean companies and high-ranking Indonesian officials to provide clarity and views regarding the future policy direction of Indonesia's business and investment landscape.

Related news: Indonesia takes over Natuna's airspace from Singapore: Minister
Related news: Indonesia, Singapore discuss joint action to cut aviation emissions