Indonesian Industry Minister MS Hidayat has expressed the hope for enhanced trade and industrial ties with Malaysia and Singapore, detikcom online news reported on Tuesday.
The minister asked Malaysian investors to develop industry of downstream crude palm oil (CPO) and Singaporean investors to cultivate free
trade zone of Batam, Bintan and Karimun, areas close to the city state.
"In a meeting with Malaysian businessmen, I told them that if they want to invest in Indonesia, it would be better if they build processing
industry, not just in upstream sector," said Hidayat here.
Meanwhile, with Singaporean businessmen, Hidayat has promised to settle problems engulfing free trade zone of Batam, Bintan and Karimun that are still hindered by many obstacles, including land dispute.
"Many Singaporean have questioned the FTZ status in Batam. The Economy Coordinating Minister (Hatta Rajasa) and other related ministers are
scheduled to leave for Batam (to settle the problems)," he said.