uring the Indonesia-Singapore Business Forum 2024, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto held a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong in Singapore on March 27.
The meeting discussed Indonesia’s and Singapore’s collaboration results under the Six Working Group (6 WG) bilateral economic mechanism between the two, co-led by Minister Airlangga and Minister Gan. The framework of the 6 WG serves as a bilateral forum, which enhances economic collaboration between the two countries.
One area of cooperation includes the economic regions of Batam, Bintan, Karimun and other Special Economic Zones. Collaboration also encompasses improving investment sectors, transportation, labor, agribusiness and tourism. Additionally, the two ministers discussed preparations for the next Leaders' Retreat meeting.
"It is hoped that the ministerial meeting of the 6 WG Cooperation can be held before the leaders' meeting," said Gan.
Furthermore, the two ministers agreed that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to labor issues signed on March 16, 2023, should be implemented as soon as possible.
"We need to push for the implementation of the agreement on tech talent mobility cooperation programs to be realized soon," said Airlangga.
Currently, both countries are preparing technical arrangements for the implementation of the MoU. In the initial implementation phase, a pilot project will be conducted with a certain number of initial applicants and involved companies.
During the meeting, Gan also emphasized the importance of utilizing industrial parks and Special Economic Zones. Economic zones have proven to create a multiplier effect for various business sectors, and their growth is directly related to financial incentives provided by the government in the form of tax holidays and tax allowances.
Moreover, Gan invited Airlangga to attend and participate in the IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum during June in Singapore.
The two ministers also agreed to hold the 6 WG ministerial meeting in conjunction with the Investor Forum. Also present at the meeting were the secretary of the Office of the Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister, Susiwijono Moegiarso and the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo.
Meanwhile, Gan was accompanied by the director of Southeast Asia and Oceania MTI, Jeanette Lim.
This article was published in collaboration with Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia
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