Netherlands, Indonesia Forge Maritime Ties

The Government of Netherlands The Netherlands and Indonesia have signed a maritime collaboration agreement in an effort to strengthen ties in the field of port development, shipbuilding, and fishery logistics. The agreement between the two countries was signed by the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, and the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi. Indonesia aims to rank among the top 10 of world economies by 2025. The maritime sector is an important catalyst in this respect, and Dutch know-how and expertise are particularly opportune, van Haegen said. As the Netherlands possesses know-how about efficient ways to tranship goods in ports, the construction of special economic zones around ports, port development, and logistics organisation, the country could help boost Indonesias expertise in these fields, as well as in the field of maritime training programmes, according to the Dutch government. Indonesia can create many new jobs, and the country offers a wide range of opportunities for Dutch companies, she said, adding that Indonesia intends to boost its growth figures to an annual 6 to 7 percent.