"We are the biggest European investor in Indonesia, and last year, trade between our countries jumped by 18 percent, defying all economic trends," PM Rutte said at the Netherlands embassy in JakartaJakarta (ANTARA News) - Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte has praised the rapidly growing bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and his country on his official visit to Indonesia.
"We are the biggest European investor in Indonesia, and last year, trade between our countries jumped by 18 percent, defying all economic trends," PM Rutte said at the Netherlands embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.
PM Rutte noted that the Netherlands admires the manner in which Indonesia is developing, especially because it boasts annual economic growth of five to six percent.
"That is a figure we can only dream of in Europe. Your country currently has the 16th largest economy in the world. By 2030, it could be the seventh-largest," he added.
Rutte praised Indonesias economic growth as an amazing achievement.
"My respect for this achievement is even greater because of the several positive developments that support this strong economic growth," he added.
With Indonesias rapidly expanding middle class, declining poverty and more robust institutions, people are becoming increasingly confident of investing in themselves and their surroundings.
"I also have respect for the way Indonesia, as a member of the G-20 and one of the driving forces behind ASEAN, has shown its willingness to take responsibility for the global challenges we face," he noted.
As part of his official visit, PM Rutte is leading a large business delegation from the Netherlands, consisting of 110 companies eager to develop further business ties with Indonesia.
Among the Dutch companies currently operating in Indonesia are Unilever, FrieslandCampina and Phillips.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
