President Prabowo Subianto met with Brazilian businessmen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, November 17, 2024 discussing strategic collaboration in the energy, industry and maritime sectors.
In his speech, President Prabowo highlighted many similarities between Indonesia and Brazil in a variety of aspects.
“Indonesia and Brazil are big countries with huge population. We have abundant natural resources. Brazil has been advanced in its industry, while Indonesia is following its footstep in industrialization. I believe we can create good synergy and mutually benefited relationship,” Prabowo said as quoted in a statement on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
He expressed his support for Brazil role as a key member in BRICS and renewed his statement of Indonesia’s interest in joining BRICS as part of the strategy to strengthen Indonesian economy.
On the occasion, President Prabowo emphasized the urgency of food security as the main foundation of a country’s development. He cited the free nutritious meal program for chidren as the Indonesian government’s priority, while highlighting Brazil’s success in the similar program.
“We would like to learn from Brazil’s successful free food program and I have asked my team to arrange further cooperation with Brazil Ambassador to Indonesia,” he said.
In the energy sector, President Prabowo highlighted huge opportunities for cooperation mainly in the development of biofuel and renewable energy as Indonesia aims to increase the use of biodiesel up to 50 percent in 2050 by using palm oil as the main raw material.
Meanwhile, in the maritime sector, Prabowo cited that Indonesia has the second or third biggest fishery reserves in the world , but still lack of fishing vessels with the capacity of 150-300 Gross Tonnage (GT). President Prabowo invited Brazil businessmen to invest in this sector and to support downstream program of Indonesia’s natural resources.
Concluding his speech, President Prabowo highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to create positive and open climate business for foreign investment.
Accompanying President Prabowo in the event were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, and Indonesian Ambassador to Brazil Edi Yusup.
