Antara
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Yuri O. Thamrin has extended an invitation to businesspersons from EU nations to invest in Indonesia while laying emphasis on realizing the aspirations for "truly good" investments.

Ambassador Thamrin made the remark at the ASEAN Trade and Investment Forum 2019 organized by the ASEAN Brussels Committee in Brussels, Belgium, noted a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels received by ANTARA on Saturday.

While addressing no less than 200 Belgian and EU businesspersons and investors present at the forum, Thamrin elaborated on the idea of "truly good" investments sought by Indonesia that are basically investments that are sustainable and do not harm the environment, offer added value, incorporate a transfer of technology, and employ the local labor force.

Furthermore, the ambassador spoke at length on Indonesia's encouraging economic posture and notable potential as a trade and investment partner for the EU. Indonesia's economy is forecast to record a steady positive growth, in the range of 5.2 to 5.5 percent for the 2019-2023 period. Renowned credit rating agencies -- S&P, Moody, and Fitch -- affirmed Indonesia's sovereign credit rating at stable.

During the forum, EU investor Johan Nellis stated that Indonesia has a largely youth population keen on putting in hard efforts. However, he also pointed to various major challenges that bog down Indonesia's economy, comprising inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the field of information technology, overlapping local and central government regulations, and constant regulatory amendments.

Representatives from Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX), EU-ASEAN Business Council (EUABC), Voka Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mechelen-Kempen, BESC, Belfius Bank, Playbiz, and Mayor Willebroek, Eddy Bevers that highlighted the significance of connectivity and innovation were attendees at the ASEAN Trade and Investment Forum 2019 organized in Brussels.

The new forum in Belgium will offer a platform to nine other ASEAN members apart from Indonesia for promoting their respective trade and investment potential. EDITED BY INE



Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Eliswan Azly
Copyright © ANTARA 2019