TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, made an official visit to Indonesia on April 14 to 16, 2015 in a bid to enhance bilateral cooperation between both countries. Solberg led a delegation of nine Norwegian companies during a business event "Norwegian Energy and Maritime Opportunities in Indonesia" at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta.

"The story of Indonesia over the last 15 years has been remarkable. Economic growth has been above 5 percent every year since 2010, and the country has South-East Asia's largest economy and the world's 16th largest," Solberg said in her opening speech.

There are currently more than 40 Norwegian companies operating in the Indonesian market, mainly in the energy and maritime sector. Solberg added that Indonesia and Norway shared similar maritime history and tradition.

Solberg believed that there would be more trade cooperation and investors coming in from Norway to Indonesia, provided that Indonesia maintains a business climate that is conducive to investors. "I think it's always about transparency and the rule of law," said Solberg. She added that consistency in rules and regulations were also important for investors.

Susi Pudjiastuti, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister, said that Indonesia would prioritize cooperation that mutually benefits both countries. Susi added that the government's plan to ease investment permit will attract more investors. "But it can also be a way to select which investors are interested in the development in Indonesia," Minister Susi said.

The value of bilateral trade between Norway and Indonesia has reached up to US$ 450 million last year, a 22 percent increase from the number recorded in 2013, with the latter running a surplus. Indonesia is one of the biggest importers of Norwegian seafood.

AMANDA SIDDHARTA