Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi stated on Tuesday that Chief Executive of Hong Kong John Lee and his business delegation have shown a strong commitment to investing in the new capital city of Nusantara (IKN).

After accompanying President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in receiving a visit from Lee and the delegation in Jakarta, Marsudi noted that the visitors viewed Indonesia's economic development positively.

"We could see that the chief executive, as well as a number of business leaders, were keen to invest, as they believe that Indonesia has successfully maintained the stability of its economic development," she affirmed.

She expressed optimism that Indonesia's stable economic condition would drive Hong Kong's business delegation to decide to cooperate with the country.

Hence, the government will hold a business meeting with the Hong Kong delegation on Wednesday (July 26) to discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation, including their commitments to investing in IKN.

"The business meetings will take place tomorrow, and we will see concrete outcomes," she remarked.

In addition to investment opportunities in the new capital city, Jokowi offered investment in four potential sectors: infrastructure, transportation, digital technology, and green energy to the Hong Kong visitors.

Furthermore, Jokowi also underlined the importance of cooperation on customs to address trade obstacles between Indonesia and Hong Kong, Marsudi said.

"Both parties are committed to further facilitating efforts to alleviate trade obstacles. Mr. President highlighted the need to provide entry for Indonesian products, such as food, agricultural products, and spices," she noted.

Jokowi also emphasized the importance of the protection and welfare of Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong.

Currently, as many as 140,000 Indonesian citizens are residing in Hong Kong, 90 percent of whom are migrant workers.

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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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