JAKARTADAILY.ID – President Joko Widodo and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a bilateral meeting at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
The meeting covered several significant topics, including Indonesia's membership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and defense-related matters.
During the discussion, President Jokowi expressed his hope for French support in Indonesia's bid to become a member of the FATF, stating, "First, Indonesia's membership in the FATF, I hope for French support for Indonesia to be accepted as a member of the FATF. Indonesia is the only G20 country that is not yet a member of the FATF."
Another important matter brought up by President Jokowi was the request for President Macron's assistance in expediting the completion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUE-CEPA) by next year.
Strategic sector investments were also on the agenda, with President Jokowi welcoming the involvement of French companies in Indonesia's downstream projects. He appreciated the contribution of The Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which has provided 500 million Euros and support through the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Additionally, President Jokowi emphasized the need for collaboration between Hydrogene de France (HDF) and PT Bukit Asam for hydrogen-based technology, as well as cooperation between the Center de coopération internationale en recherche agronomyque pour le développement (CIRAD) and the Indonesian Blue Foundation for sustainable development.
Regarding investment opportunities, President Jokowi highlighted Indonesia's openness to investments in building the capital city, infrastructure development, green energy, and ecotourism. He assured that the government has prepared incentives and facilities to facilitate such investments.
Also Read: Minister Johnny G Plate Named Suspect in BAKTI BTS Corruption Case
In the defense sector, President Jokowi welcomed the proposed joint venture between PT Len Industri and Thales, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and co-production.
Furthermore, President Jokowi extended an invitation to the French private sector to participate in concrete AOIP (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific) cooperation. He also invited France to attend the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum scheduled to take place in Jakarta in September.
Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.
Get news on Indonesia today from JakartaDaily.id on Google News
