A deepening of ties

A deepening of ties

Singapore's relations with Indonesia, which has been close,
are getting closer with the latest agreements to expand
cooperation in tourism and air services between them. The two
pacts signed in Yogyakarta last week are a measure of the
broadening and deepening bilateral ties that have developed in
recent years.

All things considered, the compacts will open the door wider
for Singapore investors who are looking for new joint ventures in
Indonesia. Whatever form the economic linkages take, they must be
mutually beneficial in order not to give ground for detractors to
say that Singapore is benefiting at Indonesia's expense.
Businessmen must resist the temptation of short-term gains and go
instead for the long haul. They must remember that Indonesia,
with a population of 185 million, is a vast market with huge
potential.

Singapore's growing involvement with the Indonesian economy
extends beyond tourism, a fast growing sector, to manufacturing,
investments and industrial parks. The bilateral economic
cooperation thus rests on a broad base and, as BG Lee put it,
"each project you do gives you more basis for trust and
confidence on both sides". Given the commitment and groundwork
laid by the two governments, it is for businessmen in both
countries to make good the opportunities. The political leaders
have set the bearings. It is up to them to venture further
afield.

-- The Straits Times, Singapore