EMBASSY TO PUSH FOR GREATER MALAYSIA-INDONESIA ECONOMIC TIES

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

JAKARTA, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- With the Malaysia-Indonesia relations reaching
a comfortable level, the Malaysian Embassy here is now focusing on enhancing
economic relations.

Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin Syed Hassan
said the efforts were in line with the spirit of friendship between both
countries and to add value to the long-standing bilateral relations.

"Indonesia is now focusing on two aspects which are still impeding its
development agenda, namely infrastructure and human capital development.

"If Malaysian companies can take part in a meaningful way in these two
areas,
it will benefit both sides," he told Malaysian journalists here.

Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin said Indonesia was now opening wide opportunities
for
foreign companies to get involved in its development projects and that the
involvement of Malaysian companies, which had the expertise in projects needed
by Indonesia, would give a lasting effect on the relations of both countries.

Malaysian companies, for instance, could form joint ventures with
Indonesian
companies to develop infrastructure projects, and to open university colleges or
branch campuses to support the country's human capital development agenda, he
said.

At the same time, Indonesian companies which had expertise in certain fields
could also invest in sectors needed by Malaysia, he added.

"This way, the peoples of both countries can tap into each other's
prosperity.
It is my hope that this economic relations can be safeguarded and enhanced," he
said.

Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin said he would meet Malaysian investors to find out
the
challenges they faced in Indonesia and how the Malaysian government could help
solve them.

The embassy would also help Malaysian companies understand policies and the
related laws in Indonesia.

Malaysian companies in Indonesia mostly involve in plantation, banking, and
oil and gas.

Indonesia has liberalised several of its economic sectors such as
independent power production, logistics, services, education, medical, film and
animation.

At the moment three Malaysian companies, namely North-South Highway Project,
MTD and Cahya Mata Sarawak, are eyeing tolled highway projects in
Indonesia.

Indonesia currently has 693km of tolled highways and is studying the need
for 789km more.

Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin Malaysia had the experience of building some 1,600km
tolled roads.

He also plans to hold roadshows for Malaysian companies and is currently
identifying areas in which Malaysian companies can participate.

-- BERNAMA