Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir unveiled an investment commitment of USD80 million from Qatar to build a hotel in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.

This investment is expected to support the success of the 2023 ASEAN Summit which will be held in Labuan Bajo.

"We encouraged this commitment when we went to Doha, Qatar, some time ago," Thohir said here on Saturday.

The ministry has continued to encourage the development of tourist destinations in the province following President Joko Widodo's decision to make Labuan Bajo as main venue for the 2023 ASEAN Summit.

Not only infrastructure, Thohir explained that various events were also encouraged to be held to promote tourism.

He gave an example of tourism in Bali which was also encouraged during the 2022 G20 Summit, so that the regional economy grew.

Infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo that had been delayed due to COVID-19 is expected to revive with the plan to host the 2023 ASEAN Summit.

Among the infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo, Thohir said, are airport renovation and port construction by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo).

"We are also pushing for the construction of wharves and hotels. But, I hope the construction and investment will not only be carried out by SOEs. I hope it will also be carried out by the private sector so that they can participate in encouraging investment," he added.

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Translator: Agatha Olivia Victoria, Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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