The EU-Indonesia Business Network together with the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority organized a half-day Business Forum, on Wednesday, September 2nd at Intercontinental Hotel Jakarta with the title “Batam: Renewed Business Opportunities”.
Batam is the first SEZ to open in Indonesia and includes the islands of Batam, Tonton, Setokok, Nipah, Rempang and Galang Baru. It lies on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes between Sumatra and Singapore, the Malacca Strait.
“Batam’s area is strategic for developing industries and business activities, as it is located 20 kilometers from the southern coast of Singapore,” Deputy Chief of BP Batam Jon Arizal stated during EIBN "Batam Business Forum" in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Speaking at the forum Arizal affirmed that Batam has actually developed into a prospective industrial and investment zone.
With its strategic location near other Asian nations such as Singapore and Malaysia, Batam could serve as a gateway for trade in the ASEAN region. Moreover, he said the government is offering a conducive business climate that has also attracted investors to Batam.
Managing Director of Indonesia-Netherlands Association (INA) Elmar Bouma stated that his side has promoted Indonesia as a business zone and an investment market. He remarked that by the holding the forum, which was attended by European investors, Batam will become increasingly popular among the businesses.
More than 80 business executives and embassies representatives participated in the event.
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