TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-President Joko Widodo said that Indonesia and New Zealand agreed to strengthen economic ties. The two nations will focus on cooperating in the new renewable energy sector, stock husbandry, and the fruit industry.
On Monday, July 18, the delegates from New Zealand visited the State Palace. Twenty two CEOs from the country also came to the meeting.
"This visit is a manifestation of New Zealand's wish to strengthen relationships with us," Widodo said yesterday, July 18, 2016.
The president said Indonesia will export tropical fruits like mangos and salak palm, while New Zealand will expand its investment in the dairy management industry.
In the energy sector, the two countries agreed to optimize the use of hydropower and geothermal. In the stock husbandry sector, the two will collaborate on procuring beef.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key welcomed the strengthening of economic cooperation with Indonesia. Key believes Indonesia has a strategic position and a strong voice in Southeast Asia; especially with its growing economy. "We are happy to have agreed on the cooperation documents," he said.
During the meeting, three ministers signed cooperation agreements with representatives from the New Zealand government. They are Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said, and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.
ADITYA BUDIMAN
