Trump Lauds US-Indonesia Economic Ties

Meetings with various organizations

Luhut’s tight schedule during the working visit to the US also included his meeting with US political figures from both Democratic and Republican Parties.

“Today's meetings were fruitful because I did not expect the good responses from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asia Group, and the US Trade Representatives which became the main purpose of our visit,” he said.

“And last but not least was the dinner attended by representatives of both [political] parties. This reflected our true friendship,” he added.

In the meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President David Malpass, they discussed the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, national economic recovery, and Indonesia's efforts to maintain and improve its environmental issues.

Also read: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Visit Indonesia Next Week

Malpass was briefed about the Job Creation Law, which can provide great benefits for the Indonesian people.

“I was very happy to be able to discuss the Omnibus Law on Job Creation with Minister Pandjaitan. Its implementation will provide many benefits for the Indonesian people,” said Malpass.

Furthermore, Luhut also expressed appreciation to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the extension of the GSP facility, which will provide opportunities for employment and many small and medium enterprises in Indonesia.

Also read: Indonesia Lures More US Companies during US Secretary of State Pompeo’s Visit

Lighthizer revealed that initially, he expected the GSP facility for Indonesia would not be extended as it was done to India and Turkey. However, due to the good cooperation between the US and Indonesia, such a decision was then canceled.

Luhut also met with the Conservation International chief executive officer M. Sanjayan.
The two discussed opportunities for collaborations with private partners for conservation and restoration programs for carbon credit in both coastal areas and terrestrial ecosystems. Sanjayan said that Brazil, Congo, and Indonesia were the key countries because of their forest assets.

(Writer: Ade Miranti Karunia | Editor: Bambang P. Jatmiko)

Sources: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/11/18/103241526/luhut-bertemu-trump-ini-yang-dibicarakan.

https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/11/18/113701326/luhut-bertemu-dengan-pejabat-as-kita-betul-betul-berkawan.