Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairperson of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Bakrie, has emphasized the importance of building strong synergy with local governments to encourage investment.

"Compared to other countries, our economy is relatively good," he observed during a meeting here on Monday, which discussed Kadin management, main tasks and functions, and work programs related to investment in the regions.

"However, that does not mean that the business ecosystem in the regions is easy. They see the situation (in the regions) every day," he added.

He also highlighted the need for increased collaboration with local governments by involving Kadin representatives in each province.

Besides strengthening the industrial sector, there is a need to bolster the trade sector, both through interprovincial and international cooperation, Bakrie said.

Such strengthening steps need to be carried out given that the domestic trade sector has huge scope to be developed further, especially by utilizing investment and trade opportunities that have so far focused on infrastructure.

"If, previously, there was a lot of funding from the APBN (State Budget), and APBD (Regional Budget) for infrastructure, now this infrastructure (funding) is more relaxed. That makes sense," he said.

"The government wants to capitalize on this by selling, recycling, or other efforts to support trade," he added.

Meanwhile, deputy chairperson for investment cooperation with regional governments at Kadin, Zulnahar Usman, said that the organization will serve as a key mediator in facilitating regional investment.

"Kadin Indonesia, through this regional investment division, works closely with local governments to mediate investors seeking to invest in the regions," he said.

Usman further said that Kadin fully supports national programs that directly benefit regions, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, as well as sectoral programs and other priority programs included in Kadin's Quick Wins.

"Kadin's target is to build a minimum of a thousand kitchens this year," he added.

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