Indonesia's Palu explores UAE investment for Special Economic Zone

Photo caption: Mayor of Palu Hadianto Rasyid (right) meets with United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri (left) to discuss investment opportunities in Palu.

Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Palu City Government is exploring investment partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop the Palu Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

"The Palu City Government remains committed to creating a conducive investment climate," Mayor of Palu Hadianto Rasyid stated here on Tuesday, following a visit by Ambassador of the UAE to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri to the SEZ.

In this initial phase, both parties are exchanging information to evaluate potential investment plans. This step is expected to pave the way for prospective UAE investors in Palu City.

"The Palu City Government will provide streamlined licensing, support for infrastructure development, and ensure strong synergy with both the central government and the SEZ management," he added.

The mayor noted that the ambassador's visit marks an initial exploration of various investment opportunities in Palu, particularly within the SEZ, which is continuously being developed as a major economic growth center in central Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Al Dhaheri stated that the visit provided a comprehensive overview of Palu's strategic advantages.

A key asset is Palu's geographical location in central Indonesia and its proximity to the country's new capital, Nusantara (IKN), which positions the city as a potential major distribution and logistics hub.

Furthermore, the city is home to Pantoloan Port, which has a natural depth of approximately 18 meters. This deep-water access allows large cargo vessels to dock without requiring significant dredging, providing substantial added value for industrial and logistics-based investments.

The preliminary talks are expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties between Palu and the UAE.

Local officials hope the engagement will open doors for new investments that drive economic growth, create jobs, and cement the Palu SEZ's position as a highly competitive investment destination in Indonesia.