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)