"The Indonesian economy is growing rapidly."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is teaming up with the government of Ehime Prefecture, Japan, in bridging between Indonesian businessmen and their Japanese counterparts.

"This collaboration began when BNI inaugurated its representative office in Osaka last month during which we met with the Governor of Ehime Prefecture Tokihiro Nakamura. At that time, we had a discussion on how to bridge between Japanese businessmen and their Indonesian counterparts," said BNI President Director Gatot Suwondo here Wednesday.

Gatot said that the discussion received a quick response from the governor of Ehime Prefecture who showed his seriousness in looking at opportunities in Indonesia.

Seeing that the government of Ehime Prefecture showed seriousness, Gatot then initiated a panel discussion and business talks between Ehime Prefecture and Indonesian businessmen which took place at the BNI Building here on Wednesday.

"At this event the speakers are the relevant parties who can facilitate investors from Ehime, Japan to invest in Indonesia. Last week we also established cooperation with the Investment Coordinating Board with regard to licensing," he said.

Gatot said that licensing is one of the sides of the investment besides infrastructure and facility. According to him, BNI is working with one of its customers that will provide land for the construction of plants.

"Hopefully, what are discussing now will be useful. Present at this discussion were BNI potential customers who can work with entrepreneurs from Ehime Prefecture," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ehime Prefecture Shozo Shiraisi said representatives of nine companies of Ehime and five companies under the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun were present in the business discussions and talks.

"The Indonesian economy is growing rapidly. Indonesia which was previously known as a production center is now known as a consumer center. The Indonesian economy is growing at a dynamic pace, marked by the growing number of motor vehicles and the construction of high-rise buildings," he said.

Shiraisi said that although the Japanese economy has begun to improve, but still there is deflation. Under the leadership of the new prime minister, Japan is trying to improve its economy.

"If the 14 companies from Ehime Prefecture can operate in Indonesia, I`m sure they would be able to contribute to the country`s economic growth," he said.

Governor of Ehime Prefecture Tokihiro Nakamura said earlier seven of Ehime companies have been operating in Indonesia, such as Unicharm and Sumitomo.
(Uu.A050/S012)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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