INDONESIA, FINLAND SEEK POSSIBILITY TO BOOST TRADE, INVESTMENT
Xinhua News Agency - February 18, 2008 Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Finland President, Tarja Halonen, at the Presidential Palace (18/2). (pic: anung/presidensby.info) |
JAKARTA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and Finland were seeking the possibility to boost their cooperation in trade and investment, presidents of the two countries said during their meeting held here on Monday.
Indonesia considered that the cooperation with Finland, which has broad relationship with Europe, Scandinavian countries and Russia, could open opportunities for Indonesia to expand its export destinations, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told a joint press conference with his visiting Finnish counterpart Tarjo Halonen, after their meeting at the State Palace.
President Halonen along with a group of Finland businessmen arrived on Sunday for a four-day visit.
"We are seeking an opportunity for the cooperation in economy, especially trade and investment," said Susilo.
Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu echoed the president after the conference, saying that good cooperation with Finland could open the gate for Indonesia to raise its exports to other countries.
The minister said Jakarta expected Finland invest in telecommunication sector in Indonesia as the country was the first market for the Finland-based mobile phone of Nokia.
Nokia top officials were among the business delegation, which would hold a meeting with their Indonesian partners, she said.
On her turn, Halonen said that business communities of the two countries would hold meetings to find out "the areas of cooperation."
The president also applauded Indonesia's role on Climate change conference in Bali, and the role in regional cooperation.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the issues of energy, forestry, management of clean waters, education and tourism.
President Halonen is to meet with Vice President Jusuf Kalla and House Speaker Agung Laksono and then visit tsunami hit Aceh province in northern tip of Sumatra Island.
Source: Xinhua News Agency - www.xinhuanet.com