Monday, 11 August, 2008 | 18:15 WIB<\/p>\n
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Lee said Singapore and Indonesia have collaborated well in Batam, Bintan and Karimun, islands grouped under the Riau Archipelago. \u201cCertainty on Batam\u2019s status will motivate Singaporean businesspeople to increase investment there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Lee is aware that certainty on Batam\u2019s status depends on the country\u2019s policies and political environment, \u201cbut it is best that the two countries discuss this matter immediately so as to obtain certainty, by which both countries can benefit by it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
According to Lee, many countries in Southeast Asia and Asia have attracted foreign investors, including Singapore. \u201cWe also collaborate with Vietnam, Thailand, China, and India,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
When asked by Tempo on economic and educational collaboration with Indonesia, Lee acknowledged that Indonesia is a vital region for a bilateral relationship. \u201cIndonesia is ASEAN\u2019s backbone. Without Indonesia, there is no ASEAN,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n
He said that the definite status of Batam, Bintan, and Karimun could strengthen future economic relations. \u201cInvesting in Batam will definitely require great deal of capital. Our businessmen want to be sure about investing there,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Lee also said that he had previously discussed this issue with Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu at a meeting in Tokyo. \"She promised to resolve this matter,\" he said, quoting the Indonesian Trade Minister.<\/p>\n
Hermien Y Kleden<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/singapore-seeks-clarification-on-batams-status-1218521178", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }