Russian investment in RI projected to reach US$7 billion

Antara News, Saturday, November 20, 2010 02:48 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Russian investment in Indonesia may increase to five to seven billion US dollars in the years to come, Russian ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Ivanov said here on Friday.

He said Russia`s total investment in Indonesia was at present recorded at more than US$1 billion.

"Our investment value in Indonesia has the potential to increase to five to seven billion US dollars," he said.

He said investment cooperation between the two countries in the form of joint ventures had kept increasing from year to year and had even intensified after a recent global financial crisis.

"We must always be optimistic to increase the two countries` cooperation," he said.

He said he would encourage more Russian businessmen to come to Indonesia and conduct partnership with local businessmen.

"For us Indonesia is a market giant which is just growing and one of the emerging countries which is accounted for," he said.

Russia and Indonesia have had diplomatic relations for 60 years. The two countries are common members of the G20, the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC), the UN and Russia has also been the good partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)in which Indonesia is also a member.

"With regard to human resources we hope our cooperation will also increase in student and tourist exchanges," he said.

On the occasion the ambassador had also called on Indonesians not to hesitate to visit Russia which he described as beautiful and friendly.

"I invite more Indonesians to come to Russia that has a lot of beautiful places to visit not only Moscow but also others," he said.

He said it was time for Indonesia as an Asia Pacific neighbour to interact more often with Russia as in the current global era distance has no longer become a problem.