Hanoi (VNA) – The cooperation in industry between Indonesia and Switzerland has seen a significant growth since the establishment of the two countries’ diplomatic ties in 1952, Indonesia-based Antara News reported on August 3.
Switzerland has chosen Indonesia as one of its priority countries in economic cooperation, including partnership in the industry sector, said Indonesian Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
In terms of capital investment, Indonesia ranks fourth in Switzerland’s list of priority investment destinations in Asia, he added.
The bilateral economic cooperation has prospered in the tourism, agriculture, education and aviation sectors.
Trade between the two nations totalled 1.7 billion USD in 2015, a significant increase of 124 percent from the previous year, with Indonesia’s export to Switzerland reaching 1.07 billion USD.
The bilateral economic ties are expected to grow stronger as the Swiss government has stated their willingness to support Indonesia in the industry sector, especially Small and Medium Industries (SMIs), together with agriculture, industry and vocational training.
Hartarto is encouraging Swiss businesses to invest more in Indonesia, with the focus on the pharmacy, bio-energy and manufacturing sectors.
Meanwhile, Switzerland also expressed its appreciation towards economic policy packages adopted by the Indonesian government that ease Swiss investors’ way to do business in Indonesia.
Some 150 Swiss corporations are operating in Indonesia, providing jobs for up to 60,000 local workers.-VNA
