“Indonesian Visit Brings New Economic Hope For SI”: PM Lilo

“Indonesian Visit Brings New Economic Hope For SI”: PM Lilo

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has returned from his state visit to Indonesia yesterday - bringing fresh hopes for new economic and trade relations with Indonesia, which is South East Asia’s largest economic market.

Mr Lilo led a high-level Government delegation on invitation by the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono where the two leaders discussed issues of common interest between the two countries.

He said the Indonesian Government is keen to engage more with the pacific region and how it can play a role in stabilizing the region.

“It has been a very successful trip. The trip to Indonesia is a historic one for our country. It’s never before that Indonesia has ever chose to have a leader from Solomon Islands”.

“I am really honored that this President of Indonesia has seen the importance of Solomon Islands in the region in inviting us to be part of this discussion in finding ways to better understand the Pacific region and how Indonesia can play a role stabilizing our region,” Mr Lilo said on arrival yesterday.

Prime Minister Lilo added that he was also attracted to the whole intention of the President of Indonesia in paving the way for Small Island developing states to the opportunities that will be created out of the emerging Asian economic market.

He explained that in two years time the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will no longer be an Association or a Forum of Leaders but it can become an ASEAN Economic Community similar to the European Economic Community.

“And for us to be extended an invitation at this very early stage to link up to the ASEAN region is a real honour indeed and one that I think you know we need to cease that opportunity and build on it and make the real connectivity that will bring economic and social benefits to our people,” Mr Lilo said.

While in Indonesia last week, Prime Minister Lilo had also engaged in talks with some of Indonesia’s top investors who are keen to visit Solomon Islands.
The Investors include the second largest palm oil producer in the world and one of the biggest producers of artisanal fisheries manufacturing in Indonesia.

“We have made some very interesting engagement in Indonesia. We have connected to one of the second largest palm oil producer in the whole world. We have also invited one of the biggest producers of artisanal fisheries manufacturing Indonesia. He is the second wealthiest man in Indonesian and he is quite willing to come here next month and we are all prepared to meet him,” Mr Lilo said.

On his way home at the weekend, Prime Minister Lilo also attended the 150th Anniversary of Black Birding in the Queensland Town of Bundaberg.

ENDS

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