The Indonesian Express
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that the Indonesian government is enhancing strategic cooperation in the fields of trade and investment with France. "Indonesia boasts over 20 special economic zones (SEZs) located across various regions, which can serve as strategic sites for French investments in Indonesia," Airlangga remarked, as cited from his official statement in Jakarta last weekend. This announcement was made by Airlangga during a meeting with a delegation from MEDEF International, led by Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of the France-Indonesia Business Council. The delegation included representatives from prominent French companies such as Eramet, Airbus, Alstom, Ardian, CMA CGM, Veolia, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, and RATP Dev. The total trade value between Indonesia and France is projected to reach 2.4 billion US dollars in 2024. Airlangga expressed his hope that the strengthening of trade and investment across various strategic sectors will lead to an ongoing enhancement of cooperation between the two nations in the future. "In the tourism sector, President Prabowo is committed to developing the North Bali International Airport in Buleleng Regency as part of efforts to boost Indonesia's tourism sector and establish Bali as a global economic and tourism hub," he stated. The Indonesian government also emphasized the importance of expediting the conclusion of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA) to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and industry between the two parties. "Therefore, support from the French private sector is crucial to expedite these negotiations towards a mutually beneficial agreement," he added.