RI important to Uzbekistan
RI important to Uzbekistan
Republic of Uzbekistan Ambassador to Indonesia Ravshan
Rakhmatullaev is determined to get the word out about his
country's attractions to Indonesian investment.
He verbally ticks off a check list of his nation's investment
pluses: A young and educated population of 23 million; Improved
infrastructure; Diverse mineral resources in huge supply; and,
Stunning natural panoramas and heritage sites ideal for tourism.
He points out that he is the only Uzbekistan ambassador in
Southeast Asia, proof positive of the prominent place Indonesia
holds in his country's future development plans. Reciprocal state
visits by Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov in 1992 and
Indonesian President Soeharto in 1995 have further cemented the
strong relations.
"Indonesia is very important to us as a trade and economic
partner," His Excellency said at his mission in Kebayoran Baru,
South Jakarta. "It has a population of 200 million, a strong
economy, and it plays a strong role in regional affairs."
As it marks its sixth anniversary of independence today,
Uzbekistan is laying the groundwork for upped investments to tap
its abundant potential.
A concerted plan of economic reforms has made Uzbekistan an
investor-friendly nation. This, coupled with rapid growth and a
budget deficit of less than 3.5 percent of GDP last year, is
positioning the former Soviet republic as a must-see on the
international investment map.
His Excellency realizes his country remains undiscovered for
the Indonesian business community.
"Some Indonesians do not know much about where Uzbekistan is
or what we stand for," he says.
"They may know some details, like about our Islamic holy
sites."
The diplomatic framework for stepped-up economic relations is
already in place. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have signed
memorandums of understanding or agreements in sectors including
tourism, participatory relations and air transport.
The Bakrie Group is currently blazing the Indonesian
investment trail in Uzbekistan with projects in
telecommunications and the hotel sector. Uzbekistan also has
Tirtamas Comexindo as a trade partner. But, His Excellency says,
much more can be done.
"I think a lot can be done in actively using this potential.
For instance, Uzbekistan has cotton, which could be of benefit to
the Indonesian textile industry.
"We want to make joint ventures in this sector as well as
other sectors of interest to Indonesia."
Rich opportunities are also available in tourism. His
Excellency cites his country's ancient cities and a common
adherence to Islam among the majority populations in both
countries as providing a cultural bond.
"Many of our cities, like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have
ancient holy sites which are of interest to Indonesian Moslems.
Several Indonesian tourism agencies are now arranging visits to
these sites, such as the monuments to Imam Ismail al Bukhary, who
is also a respected religious figure in Indonesia."
On the diplomatic front, legislators from the Uzbekistan
parliament visited Indonesia in conjunction with its 52nd
independence anniversary celebrations last month. A reciprocal
delegations will leave for Uzbekistan on Sept. 15 to sign a
sister city agreement between Samarkand and Banda Aceh.
Cultural exchange programs are planned for the future, but His
Excellency endorses first-hand experiencing of Uzbekistan for
Indonesians interested in investment opportunities.
"I always say that the best way to know our country is to see
it with your own eyes. Everything Uzbekistan has to offer will be
evident when you visit."