After President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with UAE investors at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, on Friday, Thohir said, “They are very optimistic to work together on several projects that can be synergized between the two countries.”
During the dialogue, four important topics were discussed by President Widodo and UAE investors and entrepreneurs, he added.
The first was air logistics, where Indonesia and UAE can be mutually beneficial partners amid the uncertainty in logistics and supply chains, he pointed out.
The second discussion point was the new national capital (IKN), Nusantara, where it is necessary to build a city that aligns with the rapid economic and population growth, Thohir said.
Related news: Jokowi to discuss investment cooperation with UAE
The government needs to prepare a futuristic city for residents who are currently mostly young, the SOEs Minister added.
"It is impossible that the 50 million young Indonesians to enter (to live in) old cities. Of course, with renewable technology, we must prepare a future city. The UAE itself, Abu Dhabi, is very optimistic to view this as something good because it sees other world major cities which are also the center of economic growth of each country," he said.
Third, the meeting also discussed the development of marine tourism in the context of the blue economy.
President Widodo wants blue economic development to help protect Indonesia's nature, not just exploit it, Thohir said.
UAE’s National Security Advisor, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan; G42 CEO Peng Xiao; Abu Dhabi Holding CEO, Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi; and LuLu Group executive director, Ashraf Ali, attended the meeting.
Indonesian officials who accompanied the President to the meeting were Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan; Indonesian Ambassador to UAE, Husin Bagis; head of the IKN Authority, Bambang Susantono; and head of the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), Ridha Wirakusumah.
Related news: Jokowi arrives in Abu Dhabi to meet with UAE President
Related news: Indonesia, UAE ink agreement on defense industry development
Translator: Gilang G, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
