Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said East Timor presented an integrated economic cooperation plan that would strengthen the economic relations between both nations.

"They offered cooperation on integrated economic development, which will link both countries-economic corridors," said Hatta, the coordinating minister for economic affairs, here on Monday.

He noted that the economic cooperation concept would link East Timor with Indonesia's fifth and sixth economic corridors, as specified in the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia's Economic Development.

The fifth corridor of Indonesia's economic development covers Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and animal husbandry.

And the sixth corridor covers Papua and Maluku provinces, with the development of mining (particularly gold mining), husbandry, and plantation as the main objectives.

"They will develop an airport. So, we will provide materials and support its development," Hatta said.

He stated that Timor Leste had also invited Indonesian investors to invest in the mining and gas fields. "It is inviting us to make investment in the oil and gas sectors, and we are also interested in it," he added.

Hatta said that both sides, during a meeting and breakfast with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also discussed the agenda of Yudhoyono's visit to East Timor.

(A014/INE/A014) 

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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