INDONESIA ASKS M'SIA TO ESTABLISH BULK CARGO FACILITY TO BOOST INDONESIA-SABAH TRADE

By Newmond Tibin

KOTA KINABALU, April 4 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has asked Malaysia to
seriously consider establishing a bulk cargo transport facility to boost direct
trade between Indonesia and the east Malaysian state of Sabah.

In making the call, the Indonesian Consul-General based in Sabah,
Rudhito Widagdo, said direct trade links would reduce operational costs, thus
paving the way for Indonesian goods to be competitively priced in Sabah.

"I see that entrepreneurs in Sabah are increasingly keen to do business with
their Indonesian counterparts. Hence, I hope my request (for a bulk cargo
facility) will be given due consideration," he told reporters here today.

Rudhito said there were vast opportunities for Sabah entrepreneurs to invest
in the republic and to do business in various sectors including in the steel
industry, mountain stone, agriculture, furniture, aroma therapy and tourism.

”This is what I mean ample business opportunities for Sabah and Indonesian
entrepreneurs to tap into.

”Quality products from Indonesia have attracted Sabah businessmen's
attention to sell the products in the state.

"Sabah's significant market potential and lack of Indonesian products in
Sabah can be capitalised to boost two-way trade and economic ties between the
two sides through pro-active promotions," he said.

In this regard, Rudhito said, the Indonesian consulate in Sabah arranged
for a trade mission from Sabah to visit Jakarta and Yogyakarta to explore
Indonesia's economic potentials from March 26 to 31.

While there, the eight-member delegation called on the Yogyakarta Special
Territory governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed during the courtesy call
between Sabahebat Sdn Bhd and PT Natural Nusantara (NASA) for transfer of
technology of organic fertilizer for 36.8ha oil palm estate in Membakut, Sabah.

Rudhito said Sultan Hamengku Buwono is expected to visit Sabah next month
to further enhance bilateral cooperation between both sides.