"We want to know details and legal basis to answer questions from the business players," Singapore Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Muhd Maliki Osman said.Batam (ANTARA News) - Singapore Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Muhd Maliki Osman has asked for information about the change in the status of Batam from Free Trade and Free Port Zone (KPBPB) into Special Economic Zone (KEK).
In talks with Batam city Mayor Muhammad Rudi during a visit to Batam in the province of Riau Islands on Wednesday, Maliki Osman asked a question about the difference between KPBPB and KEK.
He said many investors in Singapore were confused about the change in regulation.
"We want to know details and legal basis to answer questions from the business players," he said after a meeting with Batam mayor Muhammad Rudi.
Maliki Osman promised to open an opportunity for wider mutually beneficial cooperation between Singapore and Batam.
"Let us together seek the opportunity and utilize the existing potentials for mutual benefit," he said.
He said there are at least two opportunities for the expansion cooperation - in touri9sm and investment.
Batam tourism objects greatly attract many Singaporeans, pointing out that in a year around one million Singaporeans visit Batam.
"In addition, Singapores largest investment abroad is in Batam," Maliki said.
Mayor Muhammad Rudi said the visit of the Senior Minister of Singapore to Batam is good momentum to attract more investors from Singapore to Batam.
"We would be pleased to answer any question about opportunities in Batam," he said.
The Singaporean delegation already met with Riau Island Governor Nurdin Basirun before the meeting with the city mayor.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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