Last week, Indonesia hosted the 23rd Session of Mixed Economic Commission (MEC). For this reason, the Vice Minister Michiel Sweers visited Indonesia from 24-26 April 2024 to strengthen the trade and investment relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands. This visit underscored the enduring ties between the two countries, highlighting the mutual commitment to foster economic cooperation.
 
Michiel Sweers led the Dutch delegation at the 23rd Session of MEC with the Indonesian government. At the MEC, the Netherlands and Indonesia discussed the progressand challenges of the collaboration in areas like renewable energy, water management, agriculture, waste management and circular economy, sustainable transport, and healh. Furthermore, the importance of concluding the CEPA negotiations and the accession of Indonesia to the OECD were underlined.

During his visit to Jakarta, the Vice Minister met with knowledge institutes and think-tank to learn about Indonesia’s impressive and stable economic growth figures, its strong geo-economic position in the region, and the increasing international trade and investment flows in the value chains. The Vice Minister also discussed business opportunities and the business climate in Indonesia with Arsjad Rasjid, Chair of KADIN, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Vice Minister expressed his thoughts on doing business with the Dutch investor. He continued his program by visiting the Kalibaru Container Terminal development project, where Dutch companies Royal HaskoningDHV and Van Oord are involved. He also visited the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCDID), where Witteveen+Bos explained the NCDID project. The Vice Minister witnessed how Dutch port development expertise in practice and the Netherlands’ coastal protection expertise helped Jakarta tackle its water challenges.

Lastly, Michiel Sweers paid a visit to Nusantara Capital City (IKN). Here, he discussed with the IKN Authority (OIKN) and the IKN Taskforce (Ministry of Public Works and Housing/PUPR) to see firsthand how IKN development is going and explore potential opportunities in developing IKN on the topics of investment, innovation, and sustainable development. He also met with civil society organizations to listen to their opinions regarding IKN.

The Netherlands would like to thank the Indonesian government and relevant stakeholders for their gracious hospitality in convening the 23rd MEC session and welcoming the Vice Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and the Dutch delegation to Indonesia.