Dubai investors to invest US$3.5 billion in Indonesia

Dubai (ANTARA News) - A number of investors from Duba, the United Arab Emirate (UAE), have expressed commitment to investing US$3.5 billion in Indonesia, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said before concluding his working visit here on Thursday.

President Yudhoyono pointed out that a number of companies in the Middle East such as Bin Ladin Group, Emaar Properties, Gulf Petroleum, Pacific Inter Link, Jumeirah Group, and Ras Al Khaimah would invest in Indonesia.

"They have expressed commitment to investing in Indonesia and said they were happy to do so," Yudhoyono said, adding that the government would try to do its best in creating conducive climate for investment in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday morning Yudhoyono held a business meeting with 75 business makers from 37 companies during his working visit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The president and his entourage arrived at Dubai`s Royal Air Wing international airport at 7.15 local time on Tuesday after flying for about 10 hours from Johannesburg, South Africa.

After the meeting with the businessmen, Yudhoyono held a special meeting with a number of businessmen including the CEO of Emaar (tourism investor in Lombok), M Ali Alabbar, the CEO of Pacific Inter Link (Agrobusiness), Fouad Hayil Saeed from Qatar Islamic Bank, Abdul Latif bin Abdulla al Mahmod of Ras Al Khaimah dealing with infrastructure sector.

In addition, President Yudhoyono also met with Crown Prince Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi and Sheikh Bakar bin Ladin to discuss about investment opportunities in Indonesia.

The president and his entourage were scheduled to return home from Dubai at 07.30 a.m. local time after making a 10-day overseas tour of four countries - Iran, Senegal, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The President`s 82-member entourage included Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda, Minister/State Secretary Hatta Radjasa, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Religious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni and chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) MS Hidayat.