Jokowi affirmed that competition is the future, and no one would be able to evade it.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo here on Thursday called on the people to not be apprehensive of competing with other countries.
He affirmed that competition is the future, and no one would be able to evade it.
"I have urged the ministers and governors that their vision must be to stay competitive. It cannot be prevented. We cannot say no it," the president said in his address as the keynote speaker at the Kompas 100 CEO Forum.
He reiterated that it was impossible for Indonesia to become an isolated country as it now has an open economy.
"Every time I meet the heads of other countries at international forums, economic integration has always been the focus of discussions," he revealed.
The head of state remarked that competition would make Indonesias economy better.
"We must push ourselves, the central and regional governments, state-owned and private companies and others, to have a vision to remain competitive," he reiterated.
To face the competition, he said the government has provided facilities to the business community and has also identified goods that can compete against other countries.
"The battle will exist. Hence, it is about how we prepare ourselves with the necessary ammunition. We have no other alternative left but to compete," he emphasized.
The president reiterated that Indonesia must not be unsteady in its actions before taking on the fight.
"We must not become pessimistic before even facing the fight," he added.
To meet the competition, he suggested that infrastructure preparations must be made, so that the logistics and shipping costs would be cheaper.
"The railway system will play a very important role in ensuring cheaper transportation of goods. The sea toll road will also be vital. Unless they are prepared, the costs would continue to remain high as is the case now," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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