Industry Minister: the U.S. VP visit expected to boost industrial cooperation

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto expected the visit of the U.S. Vice President Michael Richard Pence to Indonesia can improve bilateral relations, especially in the economic sector including Indonesia's exports to the U.S.

In addition, he hoped that this state visit can also further enhance cooperation and investment in the industrial sector.

"So far, our trade balance with the US is positive. We encourage to invest in various sectors such as in power, digital, and consumer product industries," he said on Thursday (4/20).

He continued that the cooperation with the US in those developing sectors can be increased. However, Indonesia still needs transfer of technology from the US.

"We also encourage Indonesia’s production such as textiles and shoes to be exported to the U.S.,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the minister also mentioned and praised about the Jakarta gubernatorial election that went safe and smooth. This gives a positive signal to the international world.

"The process of democracy went peacefully and safely. It gives a positive signal and reflects that the democratic process in Indonesia goes well and transparent," he said.

He assessed that the election does not affect industrial activity directly. It is because of government’s efforts in creating a conducive business climate to make industry players run their business well and to attract investors to actively expand their business in Indonesia.

"The election did not affect industrial sector and investors.  They run their business as usual," he said.

Although Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, he continued, it does not mean that the industrial climate in Jakarta reflects the industry climate in Indonesia as a whole. "Because there are other cities in Indonesia that contribute to the industry market," he concluded. (Translator: Rina Alexandra)