Jakarta (ANTARA) - Investment Minister and head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia discussed the prospects and challenges of investment in Indonesia, especially in its future capital (IKN), Nusantara, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
According to a statement received on Friday, the Indonesian minister said that several countries have given positive signals to investing in the development of IKN, however, considering the vast area of the future capital city, sustainable cooperation is required.
"Investing in IKN may not (go) as well as (investing) in the manufacturing sector, since the IRR (internal rate of return) of manufacturing is definitely better. Hence, I need to collaborate with other parties, such as Mr. Tony (Blair), who has experience (regarding this matter)," he added.
Lahadalia pointed out that Blair's extensive network of global investors could prove very useful in attracting foreign investment to Indonesia. Furthermore, the former British prime minister could help bring domestic investors and foreign partners together.
The Indonesian minister emphasized that his ministry will provide support to business players by assisting foreign investors and introducing them to the right local partners.
Meanwhile, Blair affirmed his commitment to supporting the establishment of IKN.
It is expected that investor interest in the development of IKN will keep increasing, he said.
Blair is ready to provide his support until the investment is realized.
"Indeed, the interest of investors to invest in Indonesia is very large. It is inseparable from the big role of Mr. Minister (Lahadalia) in drawing investors to Indonesia with a positive signal," he added.
He further said he believes that Lahadalia has been a force of nature in bringing in well-known and big investors and matching foreign investors with the appropriate local partners.
The discussion between Lahadalia and Blair took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday (January 18, 2023) local time.
In addition to Blair, Lahadalia also met the president of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Christophe Weber, the same day to explore the investment plan for manufacturing a dengue fever vaccine in Indonesia.
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