RI And Japan Agree To Initiate New Cooperation For A More Sustainable Economy

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto (left) received a visit from the Japanese Minister of Trade in Jakarta (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia had reached an agreement with the Japanese government regarding the new Public Private Track 1.5 cooperation: Japan Indonesia Co-Creation Partnership for Innovative and Sustainable Economic Society.

Airlangga said that through the forum the two countries would enhance regional and global supply chain collaboration, infrastructure development, digital economy, human resource development, and sustainable industry.

"Indonesia is always ready to cooperate with the Japanese government to maximize the great potential of the two countries," he said when receiving a visit from the Japanese Trade Minister in Jakarta, quoted Wednesday, January 12.

Airlangga himself specifically said that this bilateral forum is expected to open up more opportunities for the development of MSMEs and the digital economy in the country.

"Indonesian MSMEs have grown to become the main supporting sector of the economy, contributing more than 60 percent of GDP and absorbing more than 90 percent of the workforce," he said.

Then, Airlangga also invited Japan to support Indonesia's agenda in the G20 2022 Presidency to further relevance the spirit of Recover Together, Recover Stronger. In addition, he also encouraged the presence of the Rising Sun Country in order to increase cooperation and benefits in the Southeast Asia (ASEAN) region.

For information, the total trade between Indonesia and Japan from January to November 2021 is worth 28.5 billion US dollars. This figure is 31 percent higher than the same period in the previous year, which amounted to 21.7 billion US dollars.

In terms of investment, from January to September 2021, Japan's investment in Indonesia amounted to USD 1.7 billion in 6.794 projects which were ranked fourth among other Indonesian investors.

"Some of Indonesia's main infrastructure has been built in collaboration with Japan, including the Jakarta MRT and Patimban Port. I believe that the new dialogue will be able to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in this sector," concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga