Promoting Indonesian business abroad

Promoting Indonesian business abroad

During her visit to Jakarta, Pakistan's Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto expressed her country's need for foreign investment. Bhutto mentioned energy, oil and natural gas, telecommunications and tourism as being among the sectors with the greatest potential. We believe there are many more sectors which Indonesian businesses could explore.

At present we are still occupied with calculating the current account deficit in our balance of payments due to bloated imports. A number of steps have been taken to curb imports and channel our funds towards productive sectors. Various levies have been eliminated, coordination between the government and private business is being improved and regulations have been issued to create a climate which is conducive to business.

The government should also organize a grand conference to promote Indonesia's potential. Such a campaign would be effective since foreign businesses would participate and foreign speakers could be invited. At the same time such a conference would help give Indonesian businesses, often regarded as too home-oriented, greater access to international possibilities.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta