Ministers to meet at RI-German forum

JAKARTA (JP): German economics minister Guenter Rexrodt and Indonesian State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie are scheduled to open Indonesia-Germany forum's second meeting Saturday, to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

The Germany embassy stated yesterday that Rexrodt would arrive today, before German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and his 100-member delegation arrive Saturday for their four-day visit.

The statement said the Indonesia-Germany Forum for Economy and Technology was formed when President Soeharto visited Germany in April 1995 to promote bilateral trade.

The forum held its first meeting in October 1995 in Germany.

The Indonesia-Germany forum meeting is expected to stimulate economic cooperation between the two countries.

Indonesian exports to Germany reached US$1.3 billion in 1995, rising from $493 million in 1989. German exports to Indonesia rose to $2.3 billion in 1995 from $920 million in 1989.

Total approved German investment in Indonesia was $3.5 billion for 76 projects as of April 1995. The projects included nine chemical and 24 consumer goods plants.

Germany has helped Indonesia develop its strategic industries, and increase its technology in manufacturing, telecommunication, shipping, railway, aircraft component and other industries.

Indonesia took part in the Hanover Fair '95 in Germany to mark the countries' warm relationship.

Rexrodt is scheduled to visit the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex in West Java, where four German projects are to be developed. They include the German School, the German Center for Industry and Trade, the German House to help small and medium- size German investors do business in Indonesia, and the German Industrial Park and Vocational School. (jsk)