RI Encourages The Realization Of IMT-GT Sub-Sectors To Focus On Strengthening Infrastructure And Digital Connectivity

IMT GT (Photo: Aris Nurjani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy for International Economic Cooperation Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Edi Prio Pambudi emphasized the importance of continuing to improve collaborative efforts in the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, tourism, agriculture, and halal industry sectors.

This was stated at the 30th Meeting of the Ministers of Cooperation for the Growth Triangle Indonesia - Malaysia - Thailand or Indonesia - Malaysia - Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

"We have a vision, commitment, and joint synergy to produce action plans that have a real impact on the sub-regional economy," he said in his statement, Friday, September 13.

Edi said that in there are several important things that are of concern to Indonesia, including strengthening the connectivity of physical and digital infrastructure by increasing connectivity networks to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Furthermore, other important things that are of concern, said Edi, are exploring the potential of industrial sectors with high added value in strategic commodities and prioritizing the development of clean energy-producing industries, such as bio-fuels and bio-ethanols, promotion of the halal industry, encouraging the creative economy.

Edi added that the government is also focusing on accelerating the completion of the IMT-GT flagship Project, and the latter is to encourage the implementation of sustainable green city development through the framework of the Sustainable Urban Development Framewok (SUDF).

"All of these goals can only be realized if all elements of cooperation collaborate in formulating measurable projects, as well as collaborating with other sub-regional cooperation, such as BIMP-EAGA and GMS," said Edi.

Furthermore, Edi conveyed input to Regional Heads who are members of the Chief Ministers and Governors Forum (CMGF) to prepare a measurable action plan for the realization of the IMT-GT 2036 Vision.

According to Edi, CMGF also needs to be used as the best discussion and practice forum in drafting inflation control policies, waste management, regional digitization, and environmental conservation.

"Let's create a 3V principled IMT-GT sub-area, namely Vibrant (energy), Verdant (green), and Value (added value)," concluded Edi.

On this occasion, consolidation in the promotion of the IMT-GT Visit Year program, acceleration in the completion of the Ro-Ro Dumai Malacca connectivity project, as well as opportunities for Batam's new connectivity Johor also became the attention of the Ministers of IMT-GT from CMGF.

Furthermore, in the Meeting of Retreat session, the Ministers also discussed the Asian Development Bank (ADB) proposal in formulating the 2030 Blue Economy Collaborative Strategy.

Meanwhile, this initiative is a collaborative and strategic step to achieve a common vision to realize the use of the marine economy as well as environmental sustainability and sustainable economic growth. In principle, the Ministers support this initiative, however, it is necessary to carry out further discussions regarding mechanisms and implementation

For information, the 30th IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting is the culmination of a series of meetings that have been held since September 9, 2024. The meeting was chaired by Malaysia's Ministry of Economy Rafizi Ramli.