IDB asked to continue assistance

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday asked the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to continue its efforts to help solve problems in developing countries.

After meeting with Soeharto here, the bank's acting president Abdullah Al-Qomar also quoted Soeharto as calling on the IDB to continue its social projects in Indonesia to improve the incomes of villagers.

Praising Indonesia's economic successes, Al-Qomar said many developing countries in Africa had spoken of their desire to learn from Indonesia's economic management and self-sufficiency in rice.

He quoted Soeharto as saying that Indonesia is willing to share its experience in achieving rice self-sufficiency with other developing countries.

Indonesia, which used to be one of the world largest rice importers, reached sufficiency in rice in 1984. In recognition of the success, the Food and Agriculture Organization awarded a medal to President Soeharto in 1986.

Al-Qomar said the IDB will likely increase its loans to Indonesia to approximately US$140 million this year from $120 million last year. He added that the amount of IDB credit extended to Indonesia has grown by 10 percent per annum during the last four years.

Al-Qomar, who was accompanied by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad during his meeting with Soeharto, is here to discuss IDB's annual meeting scheduled to be held here in November.

"This occasion serves as a good chance for this country to introduce its development concept as well as attract foreign investment," Al-Qomar was quoted by Antara as saying. (rid)