"The delegation included businesspersons, so there will be business-to-business cooperation."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The British government seeks to increase its investment in, and trade with, Indonesia following Prime Minister David Cameron`s visit to Indonesia this month, according to an Indonesian minister.

"He did not specifically disclose figures but was committed to increasing investment and trade volume between the two countries," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said here on Friday.

Cameron visited Indonesia during April 11-12. His entourage included Trade Minister Lord Green, Minister of Universities and Sciences David Willetts, and representatives from 39 British companies.

"The delegation included businesspersons, so there will be business-to-business cooperation," Hatta noted.

During Cameron`s visit, Garuda Indonesia president director Emirsyah Satar signed a contract with Airbus executive vice president of programmes Tom Williams for the purchase of 11 A330-300 planes.

The 11 planes worth US$2.54 billion will be delivered in stages until 2017.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said after a meeting with Cameron that the two leaders discussed a number of issues including trade, investment, education, democracy, interfaith dialogue, and climate change.

"Britain is among the five biggest investors in Indonesia. We call on to cooperate with Indonesia in spurring growth and creating investment opportunities," President Yudhoyono stated.

Data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPOM) shows that British investment inflows into Indonesia reached US$419 million last year, compared with US$1.89 billion in 2010.

However, trade between the two countries grew by 10 percent to US$2.8 billion in 2011, from US$2.6 billion in 2010.

According to Cameron, Britain has aimed to double its trade with Indonesia in three years` time and intended to contribute to the development of micro, small, and medium businesses in Indonesia.

British companies are engaged in energy, pharmaceutical, financial, transportation, communication, and hotel and restaurant sectors, among other sectors, in Indonesia.
(Uu.S012/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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