As part of the countrys two national programs for increasing investments -- National Support for Local Investment Climates (NSLIC)/National Support for Enhancing Local and Regional Economic Development (NSELRED) -- in the provinces, the project will focus on broadening work areas by developing a micro-middle economy sector in the selected regions.
"We will improve the provinces productive sectors and bolster investment in order to create more job opportunities as well as increase the peoples income and welfare," the minister remarked.
The minister further expressed hope that the project would help to tackle the countrys several economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
"The Indonesian government expects this partnership to soon be implemented in an effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable manner, so it would benefit the people as well as contribute to national and global economic developments," Brodjonegoro remarked.
On a similar occasion, MacArthur said this project is intended to create a conducive environment for upcoming investments in Indonesia.
"This program is an implementation of the Canadian governments commitment to supporting Indonesias economic development," the ambassador reiterated.
MacArthur added that the project, being implemented for the 2016-2020 period, will empower the micro-middle economy in Indonesia and help the country create a secure business environment in its provinces.
Hence, in implementing the project, Brodjonegoro will cooperate with the Human Development and Culture Coordinating Ministry, Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, Home Affairs Ministry, Investment Coordinating Board, and the provincial governments.
The Canadian-funded NSLIC/NSELRED programs are committed to supporting some innovative provinces in Indonesia that have submitted a development proposal already approved by a reviewing team.
Last year, some regions in Southeast Sulawesi Province, including Kendari City, Baubau City, Wakatobi District, Bombana District, and South Konawe District, had collaborated for a similar project launched in North Sulawesi Province.
The Canadian government has supported economic development in Indonesia since 1954 by allocating a grant worth $20 trillion to fight poverty. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
