While in Singapore, President Widodo will hold talks with Prime Minister Long to discuss a wide range of issues including investment and vocational educationSingapore (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo arrived in Singapore on Tuesday for the Indonesia-Singapore Annual Leader's Retreat. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long greeted President Widodo upon arrival at the palace, residence and official office of the Singapore President. The two leaders later attended the greeting ceremony and inspected the guard of honor.
While in Singapore, President Widodo will hold talks with Prime Minister Long to discuss a wide range of issues including investment and vocational education, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno P Marsudi said.
The Leader's Retreat is an annual meeting held in rotation between the heads of government of the two countries.
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During the Leader's Retreat held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on October 18, 2018, the two governments encouraged the strengthening of economic cooperation, particularly in the field of investments including the development of the Kendal Industrial Park and the Nongsa Digital Park.
The Kendal Industrial Park, which is the biggest industrial estate in Central Java, is a project between Indonesia and Singapore.
During the initial inauguration of the Kendal Industrial Park in 2016, President Widodo had described the cooperation as a new step in the realization of cooperation between the two countries.
The Nongsa Digital Park, which is located in Batam City, Riau Islands Province, focuses on developing a digital-based creative economy. The park, inaugurated in 2018, serves as a digital bridge between Indonesia and Singapore.
Singapore is one of the biggest investors in Indonesia, with total investment at US$9.2 billion in 2018, Minister Retno said. The figure represents an 8.9 percent increase compared to the previous year including Singapore’s investment in the Kendal Industrial Park and Batam.
During his stay, President Widodo will also discuss vocational education with Prime Minister Long. Indonesia has established cooperation with Singapore Polytechnic in vocational education, the minister said.
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Translator: Desca Lidya Natalia/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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