Langgampos.com - Indonesia is reinforcing its strategic cooperation with France in the trade and investment sectors, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
"Indonesia has more than 20 special economic zones (SEZs) spread across various regions, which can serve as strategic locations for French investments in the country," Airlangga stated in an official statement from Jakarta on Saturday.
His remarks were made during a meeting with a delegation from MEDEF International, led by the Chairman of the France-Indonesia Business Council, Philippe Louis-Dreyfus.
The delegation included representatives from leading 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 in 2024 has reached $2.4 billion.
Airlangga expressed optimism that strengthening trade and investment across various strategic sectors would further enhance bilateral cooperation in the future.
He also introduced the establishment of Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara), Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
The presence of BPI Danantara is expected to serve as a strategic instrument in attracting foreign investment, strengthening infrastructure financing, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.
"In the tourism sector, President Prabowo is committed to building the North Bali International Airport in Buleleng Regency as part of efforts to boost Indonesia’s tourism sector and position Bali as a global economic and tourism hub," he said.
The Indonesian government also emphasized the importance of expediting the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA) negotiations to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and industry.
"Support from the French private sector in advancing these negotiations towards a mutually beneficial agreement is crucial," Airlangga added.
Meanwhile, Philippe highlighted that several MEDEF International delegates had met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in July 2024 and were impressed by his vision and commitment to economic, infrastructure, and energy development.
"President Prabowo's vision is very clear and concrete. The focus on strengthening the economy, infrastructure, and energy sectors will see significant development in the coming years," Philippe said.
Besides major French corporations like Eramet and L’Oréal, which have already established operations in Indonesia, many medium-sized French companies specializing in various strategic sectors, including construction and infrastructure, are eager to collaborate with Indonesian partners.
The MEDEF International delegation also emphasized the importance of critical minerals and energy sectors for France.
As a result, there is a strong interest in establishing a strategic dialogue with Indonesia regarding critical minerals, aligning with France’s broader global initiatives.
Additionally, discussions included plans for French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Jakarta in May 2025.
The visit is expected to be a key moment in strengthening bilateral cooperation, potentially resulting in the announcement of several strategic economic agreements between the two nations.
Furthermore, the MEDEF International delegation highlighted the planned collaboration between PT PLN (Persero) and Hydrogen de France (HDF Energy) in developing a green hydrogen project on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara.
This cooperation is expected to be finalized during President Macron’s visit to Indonesia.
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Furthermore, the MEDEF International delegation highlighted the planned collaboration between PT PLN (Persero) and Hydrogen de France (HDF Energy) in developing a green hydrogen project on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara.
This cooperation is expected to be finalized during President Macron’s visit to Indonesia.
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