"Madagascar has a very strategic geographical position, which also serves as a gateway to Africa. They possess natural resources, especially minerals needed for industry and advanced technology,” Sugiono said following a bilateral meeting with Madagascan Foreign Minister Alice N'Diaye in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 3).
Citing a consistently positive trend in bilateral trade, Sugiono emphasized the need to strengthen private-sector relations and explore various untapped investment opportunities.
Both countries pledged to support each other’s domestic and industrial needs by expanding cooperation across key sectors, including mineral resources, energy, finance, and the creative economy, he said.
To facilitate diplomatic and commercial exchanges, the two ministers finalized a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Sugiono revealed that further discussions are underway to extend visa exemptions or introduce travel facilitation measures for business communities, a move aimed at accelerating corporate partnerships.
In a joint press statement, Madagascan Foreign Minister Alice N'Diaye identified mining and natural resources as sectors offering immediate opportunities for Indonesian partnership.
She also highlighted renewable energy, special economic zones, light industry, agriculture, fisheries, the blue economy, and tourism as high-potential areas for joint development.
“We hope to further promote investment, technology transfer, and value-added commodities with Indonesia,” N'Diaye said, adding that Madagascar views Indonesia as an increasingly important partner due to the complementary nature of their economies.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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