President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is currently on a significant visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focused agenda centered on bolstering economic ties and forging strategic partnerships. The key pillars of this visit are investment, trade, and the deepening of overall strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE.
A primary objective for President Jokowi is to attract further investment from the UAE into Indonesia’s rapidly growing economy. Discussions are expected to highlight Indonesia’s vast potential in sectors such as renewable energy (solar, wind), infrastructure development (ports, roads, airports), tourism (eco-tourism, sustainable tourism), and the digital economy. Indonesia offers a large and dynamic market, and President Jokowi aims to showcase these opportunities to potential UAE investors.
Enhancing bilateral trade is another crucial element of the President’s agenda. While trade volumes between Indonesia and the UAE have seen positive growth, there is significant potential for further expansion. Discussions will likely explore ways to reduce trade barriers, facilitate smoother customs procedures, and identify new areas for the exchange of goods and services. Potential collaborations in sectors like food security and halal products may also be on the table.
Beyond economic matters, President Jokowi’s visit aims to strengthen broader strategic partnerships with the UAE. This encompasses cooperation in areas such as energy security (including oil and gas), counter-terrorism efforts, and cultural exchange. The two nations also share common interests in regional stability and may discuss potential collaborations on multilateral platforms to address global challenges.
While specific agreements and memorandums of understanding are anticipated to be signed during the visit, the overarching goal of President Jokowi’s agenda in the UAE is to cultivate a stronger and more multifaceted relationship. By focusing on attracting investment, boosting trade, and deepening strategic partnerships, Indonesia aims to leverage its ties with the UAE for mutual economic and political benefit in the long term.