Jakarta, 1 November 2021 (TDI): The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo addressed the 13th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). He was participating from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, virtually. The Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle started as economic liberalization & integration in ASEAN; formally established in 1993.
Recovery of Economy
During the address, he enunciated that strategies must be adopted to recover the economy, post haste. The efforts should be in sync with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.
Significance of Infrastructure Development
The President highlighted the significance of accelerating infrastructure development; hard as well as soft. Sharing his country’s performance In this regard, he said that he is committed to ensuring connectivity in the Sumatra region. In the first phase, Indonesia has completed seven toll roads, the Kuala Tanjung port, and the Palembang LRT.
Digitization of Agriculture
He stressed the digitization of agriculture. It is imperative to implement the latest technologies for the sake of food and energy security. Consequently, it will lead to increased productivity and attract the younger generation.
Renewable Energy
About energy, he said that affordable technology investment will play an important role in the transformation of new and renewable energy. Cooperation amongst partners in that regard is inevitable.
Digital Economies
Joko Widodo underscored the significance of the transition to digital economies. The Covid-19 pandemic showed the importance of digital technology to run the economy. Coining the term digitalpreneurs, he said that the region needs more of them. The newly formed IMT-GT e-commerce platform will function optimally in the digital market.
ASEAN Creative Economic Business Forum
At the virtual event, the President also unveiled Indonesia’s plan to hold the ASEAN Creative Economic Business Forum in Bali. It is planned for November this year with the intent to strengthen the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. He reiterated support for the upcoming IMT-GT 2022-2026 blueprint.
IMT-GT 2022-2026 Blueprint
The IMT-GT 2022-2026 blueprint will be a tangible guideline to strengthen cooperation in the ensuing five years. 2021 is the last year for the implementation of the IMT-GT blueprint for 2017-2021. The pandemic has affected the sub-regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by suppressing economic growth.
Connectivity in the Sub-region
During the pandemic, Indonesia has contributed through the development of physical connectivity in the sub-region. It has also supported projects like Bengkulu Digital and Tourism Village, Aceh Investment Sport, Batam Green City Initiative. For the 2022-2026 blueprint, the Indonesian President said that he was hopeful the economy will thrive because the spread of Covid-19 has decreased.
The President was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar, for the Summit.
Source: thediplomaticinsight.com
