Foreign Minister Believes Hong Kong Chief Executive Is Committed To Investment In IKN

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. Marsudi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday (25/7/2023). ANTARA/Indra Arief Pribadi

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno L. Marsudi said Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and the delegation had a strong commitment to investing in the National Capital City (IKN) of the Archipelago.

Foreign Minister Retno, after accompanying President Joko Widodo to receive a visit from Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee with businessmen at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, said they considered Indonesia's economic development positive.

"If we look at the commitment to the Chief Executive and several companies, they look very strong because they see Indonesia's economic development is good and stable," said Foreign Minister Retno as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 25.

Retno explained that the Hong Kong businessman delegation decided to cooperate with Indonesia due to the stable state of the country's economy.

Therefore, the Indonesian government will hold a business meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and a delegation on Wednesday (26/7) to discuss strengthening cooperation, including investment commitments at IKN.

"They are 'culo nuwun' to the President, tomorrow will be business meetings. We'll see at the end of the concrete results," said the Foreign Minister.

In addition to investment opportunities in East Kalimantan (IKN), President Jokowi also offered investment in four potential sectors, namely infrastructure, transportation, digital technology and green energy to Hong Kong entrepreneurs.

In addition, said Retno, President Jokowi also conveyed the importance of cooperation in the customs sector to erode trade barriers between Indonesia and Hong Kong.

"We remain committed to both of them to facilitate so that trade barriers will decrease. Now what the President said is the access of several Indonesian products, including food, agriculture, and spices," said Retno.

Furthermore, President Jokowi emphasized at the meeting the importance of protection and welfare for Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong. The number of Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong currently reaches 140 thousand people, 90 percent of whom work as Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).