20 Countries Seek for Investment Opportunities in Batam, Bintan

Batam (ANTARA Kepri) - As many as 20 ambassadors from foreign countries held a meeting with Riau Governor Muhammad Sani and local businessmen here on Saturday to discuss investment and cooperation opportunities in Batam and Bintan.

"This meeting can be a chance for Riau Province to attract the countries' interests in investment," Muhammad Sani said.

The 20 ambassadors who came to Batam were from Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, Slovakia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Serbia, Rumania, Belgium, Hungary, Norway, Pakistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Fiji, Paraguay, China, Nigeria, Singapore, Zimbabwe and Laos.

The ambassadors also planned to visit Panbil and Kabil industrial areas, as well as the Kinema Animation Studio.

On Sunday (Sept 9), they will leave for Bintan for Lagon Bay and Lobam industrial area to observe investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Further, the local government of Batam will host a presentation about business opportunities in Batam and Bintan for the ambassadors.

"This is a big chance for Batam and Bintan, as free trade zone (FTZ) areas, to encourage foreign investors. The investment interests have been increased since both islands were declared FTZs in 2009," said local government spokesperson Ilham Eka Hartawan.

Batam is an island whose largest city Is Riau, with a population of about 1.153.860 people living in a land area of 715 square kilometers. Batam is a strategic island for international trade, as it is located about 20 kilometers off Singapore's south coast.

Bintan, also known as Negeri Segantang Lada, is located east of Batam on 2.402 square kilometers of land. Bintan is a popular destination with its many resorts and lagoons. (F013/INE/a014)