Fishery minister asks foreign companies to build industries in RI

Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - Maritime and Fishery Affairs Minister Freddy Numberi said foreign companies wishing to invest in the maritime and fishery sectors in Indonesia should set up industries in the country which are operating in these sectors.

In a statement here on Friday the minister also banned foreign fishing boats from operating in Indonesian territorial waters unless they could show their commitment to build industries in the fisher sector in association which local fishermen.

This measure is aimed at providing the employment opportunites to the local populaton.

Some foreign companies have terminated their cooperation with Indonesia like the Philippines, Thailand and South Korea, he said, adding that China will follow suit on July 17 this year.

"It doesn`t mean that they have no opportunity to carry out fishing activities in Indonesian waters. They are welcome, but only under a cooperation with local fishing companies, and by setting up industries operating in the fishery sector," he said.

Minister Numberi said, foreign fishing companies which failed to abide by this Indonesian government decision, especially those whose cooperation with Indonesia had been terminated, will be sternly dealt in accordance with the law.

"For Maluku in particular, we should build a fishery business as the region has many potentials in the maritime and fishery sector," Numberi added.