The 2022 World Cup in Qatar offers new opportunities for Indonesia to enhance economic relations with Qatar, as is apparent from the increasing number of ministerial visits to the Middle Eastern country.
According to Minister Counsellor of Economic Affairs Maulana Syahid of the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar there are various potential areas for cooperation to be forged between Indonesia and Qatar.
“How many Middle Eastern countries have set up their major companies in Indonesia? Qatar already has such experience, and they are willing to invest again in Indonesia,” Syahid stated in Doha, Qatar, Thursday .
Earlier, this month, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno visited Qatar to meet business representatives and investors in Doha.
Meanwhile, Investment Minister and Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) Head Bahlil Lahadalia and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi were expected to conduct a working visit to Qatar soon for the same purpose.
The embassy official underscored Qatar as one of the Middle Eastern countries, with the strongest commitment to investment in Indonesia.
Telecommunication company Ooredoo, Qatar National Bank, and Nebras Power that hold a share in private electric company PT Paiton Energy Company in East Java are some major Qatari companies that have invested and commenced operations in Indonesia, he pointed out.
Moreover, Qatari agriculture company Baladna has collaborated with state company PT Berdikari in developing the farming industry and establishing a dairy farm in Indonesia, he noted.
Syahid stated that Middle Eastern investors are more often engaged in brownfield investment — through the acquirement of existing facilities — than greenfield investment.
“That is the typical character of Middle Eastern (investors) that are less keen on the greenfield model, as they are more inclined to the brownfield investment. While having the cash, they usually use the easier model, which is to acquire or collaborate with established companies in Indonesia,” he remarked.
Source: Antara News