Swiss aid for RI railway

Swiss aid for RI railway

JAKARTA (JP): The Swiss government, under a memorandum of
understanding signed here yesterday, will provide technical
experts to smoothen the operation of the new Padang-Ombilin
double track railway system in West Sumatra.

The forwarding of technical experts is a continuation of
Switzerland's assistance in the construction of the double track
railway system, which began in 1991 and was completed several
months ago.

Total aid of Swiss Fr 111.1 million (US$86.8 million) was
allocated for the railway project, consisting of a SFr 44.47
million in grant and SFr 66.7 million in loans from a consortium
of Swiss banks.

Apart from the supervision, yesterday's agreement, signed by
Swiss Minister of Economy Jean Pascal Delamuraz and Indonesian
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, is expected to prompt a
transfer of technology in the railway industry.(mds)