Indonesian President Wraps up UK Visit with Commitment to Economic Reform

President of Indonesia Jokowi will give keynote remarks at the UK-Indonesia Business Forum.

London 14 Rajab 1437/21 April 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo wrapped up the UK leg of his European tour on Wednesday (Apr 20) with a business forum hosted by Britain’s Asia House.

He warmed up the crowd by saying that he likes all things British, including British heavy metal music and that drew a laugh from the crowd.

He then went on to deliver his serious message, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting cna.

He said Indonesia was committed to furthering economic reform and the cutting of red tape, and that his country is very much open for business.

“Technology has made the world borderless. Supply chains are becoming ever more global. Social media is making the world faster and faster,” said the Indonesian President.

“For any country, the choice is only two – be open or be closed. There is zero doubt in my mind that for Indonesia, the right answer is we must be open.”

Earlier, British Trade and Investment Minister Mark Price agreed that this had been a worthwhile trip, with deals worth billions of dollars agreed upon.

“Over the course of these two days, we are agreeing trade and investment deals into Indonesia worth many billions,” he said, adding that the UK is the fifth-largest investor in Indonesia. “(This is) clearly a very productive visit.”

Meanwhile, a small protest on Indonesia’s record on human rights took place during the business summit.

President Widodo’s next stop is Brussels, the heart of Europe, where he will meet senior EU officials. The main discussion point there will be the dialogue to get the EU-Indonesia free trade agreement signed, sealed and delivered.  (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) .