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."