EU-Indonesia Investment Dialogue highlights Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery

21.09.2021
Jakarta

The European Business Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (EuroCham) and the Ministry of Investment/ Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), today (21/9) held an Investment Dialogue titled “Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery; Attracting Investment through Structural Reform”.

EU-Indonesia Investment Dialogue highlights Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery

 

The European Business Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (EuroCham) and the Ministry of Investment/ Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), today (21/9) held an Investment Dialogue titled “Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery; Attracting Investment through Structural Reform”. The virtual dialogue aimed to exchange views on post-pandemic recovery plans in both Indonesia and the European Union (EU). The event also provided information on structural reform and investment opportunities in Indonesia, especially for European investors, in order to balance the control of COVID-19 and minimize the economic impact.

The Indonesian government has introduced policies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and improve the investment climate, aiming to make Indonesia an attractive investment destination amid the pandemic. EuroCham fully supports the government’s efforts, as stated by Julien Steimer, Chairman of EuroCham. “Collaboration of all stakeholders to answer the challenges of the current economic recovery is very much needed. European companies in Indonesia are ready to support the government in carrying out reforms to increase economic competitiveness and improve the ease of doing business. In this regard, EuroCham has published its 2021 Position Paper to accelerate recovery and strengthen Indonesia's economic foundation. The document covers various sectors that reflect the experiences and views of European business in Indonesia, which aims to increase economic competitiveness and ease of doing business” he said.

The EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket said, "The EU supports Indonesia in its efforts to increase investment, especially during the recovery period after the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome recent rebound of foreign direct investment in Indonesia and hope that this dialogue forum can create harmony between investors and the Government as regulator,” he said.

As it has been widely known, the EU has launched NextGenerationEU, a €800 billion  recovery programme to support investment and reform that will help rebuild a post-COVID-19 Europe. Main elements of the programme include support for green transition and digital transformation. Coupled with the EU’s long-term budget, it will be the largest stimulus ever financed in Europe, totalling more than €2 trillion. The programme, which was agreed by the European Council in 2020, is expected to transform the economy, create opportunities and jobs by making a greener, more digital and resilient Europe.

Géraldine Mahieu, Acting Director for Investment, Growth and Structural Reforms at DG Economic and Financial Affairs (ECFIN) of the European Commission, underlined that the NextGenerationEU would have significant impact on GDP growth in Europe. Structural reforms included in the plan can also have significant long-term output effects.

The panel discussion also featured Ikmal Lukman, Secretary General of BKPM, who outlined the progress of structural reform in investment in Indonesia. Brago Adijaya Putranto, Marketing Manager of Batang Industrial Estates presented a wide-array of investment opportunities in the area. Meanwhile, Mauritz Klavert, President Director of Frisian Flag Indonesia and Derek Chang, Head of Government & Public Affairs of Airbus in Asia Pacific outlined their investment plans in Indonesia and in the region.