The Netherlands is keen to partner up with Indonesia to create smart solutions in solving global challenges. Both Indonesia and the Netherlands face common challenges in various fieldsBogor, W Java (ANTARA) - Some 180 representatives of 130 Dutch companies and knowledge institutions have confirmed participation in a parallel economic mission during the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Indonesia from March 9 to 13.
The economic mission that will be organized to Jakarta and Surabaya is led by four cabinet members, according to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, as revealed in a press statement that ANTARA received here Friday.
They are Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of State Sybilla Dekker, and Vice Minister of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality Jan Kees Goet.
"The Netherlands is keen to partner up with Indonesia to create smart solutions in solving global challenges. Both Indonesia and the Netherlands face common challenges in various fields," the embassy revealed in the press statement.
Among the common challenges are the impact of climate change on coastal protection and water resources, the accessibility of healthcare, the shift to a circular economy, and increasing pressure on food production systems.
"This mission will offer opportunities for companies and institutions between the two countries to exchange knowledge and expertise in finding smart and innovative solutions together," the Dutch embassy said.
During their five-day visit, the participating representatives of the Dutch enterprises and knowledge institutions would focus their endeavors to boost and strengthen their cooperation with their Indonesian counterparts in five sectors.
The five sectors include agriculture and food; life sciences and health, maritime, integrated coastal zone and water management, waste management, circular economy, and water technology, as well as aviation.
"Their programs will consist of a multitude of seminars, matchmaking, field visits, and network events to which Indonesian partners, stakeholders and experts have been invited," the embassy revealed.
Indonesia and the Netherlands have a longstanding economic relationship through mutual trade and investments. This mission aims to strengthen the existing economic ties between the two countries and to provide a platform for new economic opportunities.
As part of the scheduled programs, on March 10, a Netherlands Trade Dinner, expected to be joined by some 500 Dutch and Indonesian businesses and knowledge institutions, will be held in Jakarta's Shangri-la Hotel Jakarta.
The gathering will be opened by the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag, an Indonesian minister, and President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) Hans de Boer.
At the event, several agreements will be signed in the presence of the royal couple.
The upcoming state visit is believed to strengthen the relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia ahead of the 75th anniversary of the latter's independence on August 17, 2020.
In terms of bilateral trade and investment, the Netherlands is important for Indonesia, because it is the fifth-largest investor and a trading partner that has made Indonesia enjoy a surplus of trade.
This was revealed by the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Lambert Grijns when he received eight Indonesian journalists who visited the Netherlands from February 15 to 21. Indonesia's surplus of trade was recorded at EUR1,806 million (2019).
At the same time, with a total investment of US$2.6 billion, the Netherlands is also noted as the fifth biggest investor in Indonesia. It is behind Singapore ($6.5 billion), China ($4.7 billion), Japan ($4.3 billion), Japan ($4.3 billion), and Hong Kong ($2.9 billion).
In the tourism sector, the contribution of the Dutch to Indonesia's foreign tourist arrivals cannot also be regarded as "minor" because, last year alone, the Indonesian Embassy in Den Haag noted that there were at least 202,116 Dutch travelers who visited Indonesia.
During their 17.52-day length of stay in 2019, the Dutch tourists averagely spent around US$1,866. (INE)
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Reporter: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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