Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has invited US businessmen to increase their investment in Indonesia. saying that living conditions in the country have improved.

"There will be many opportunities that you will get in this cooperation," the head of state said here Wednesday in a keynote address at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) meeting.

He invited them to participate in various sectors of national development including in the government`s plan to set up six economic corridors, infrastructure development and industries.

"You can also join a cooperation project to develop industries here, not only in the mining field, but also in the fields of manufacturing and services," he said.

The president also asked the US businessmen to be involved in the country`s human resource development, small and medium scale businesses, and various development programs aimed at reducing the poverty rate.

Since the reform movement which started in 1998, Indonesia`s economy and democracy have been improving convincingly, he said.

He hoped that the US businessmen could successfully develop their businesses and at the same time give benefits to the Indonesian people.

The head of state also suggested that they invest in long-term businesses, in order to avoid problems such as capital fled like the one that had occurred in late 1990s.

He also reminded businessmen about the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to help local community, preserve the environment and establish partnership with SMEs.

The OPIC meeting is being organized from May 3 to 5 and attended by more thatn 200 US businessmen from various sectors.

On the occasion, President Yudhoyono was accompanied by among others Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Indonesian Ambassador to the US Dino Pati Djalal and Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Gita Wirjawan. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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