TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Turkish Economic Cooperation Council or Dis Ekonomik Iliskiler Kurulu (DEIK) on Saturday, August 1, 2015, signed a memorandum of understanding on trade, investment and technology cooperation.

The MoU was signed by KADIN Chairman Suryo Bambang Sulisto and DEIK Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan on Saturday. "Besides the signing of the MoU, there will also be a business meeting in a number of sectors,” according to a written statement from KADIN.

Turkey is currently Indonesia’s the 7th biggest trade partner in Europe with the total trade volume between the countries reaching US$ 2.47 billion last year. From the figure, Indonesia posted a surplus‎ US$ 415 million surplus.

Indonesia’s main exports to Turkey are natural rubber, synthetic rubber, palm oil, sandal, shoes, and textile, while Turkey exports wheat to Indonesia.

In the investment sector, the total investment value of Turkey in Indonesia last year reached US$ 64,1 million in 29 projects and the figure was higher than that of the previous year, which was US$ 11.7 million in 22 projects.

In the tourism sector, the number of Turkish tourists visiting Indonesia last year reached 6,000 people.

The signing of the MoUs is part of a three-day official visit of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Indonesia. On the previous day, President Joko Widodo welcomed Erdogan at the Merdeka Palace.

At the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, President Jokowi said that he and Erdogan discussed a number of issues, including Islamic issues, terrorisms, and world peace.

FAIZ NASHRILLAH‎