Indonesia seeks India's help for infra development

Indonesia was looking for India’s support for developing infrastructure, particularly the expansion of 238 airports, said Andi M Ghalib, the Indonesian ambassador to India here.

“The vast Indonesian archipelago has around 18,000 islands. Out of the 240 airports connecting these islands, we need India’s help to expand and develop 238 airports. Indian companies can definitely help us in this sector,” Ghalib said.

“Bilateral trade has now grown to $22 billion .This will go to $45 billion by 2015 and, in ten years India could become Indonesia’s largest trade partner.”

Currently, it is the fourth largest trade partner after” China , US and Japan” said the ambassador .

“India is the largest importer of crude palm oil from Indonesia and we are looking forward to increasing export of coal among other items ,” he said .

“We are looking forward to greater participation by Indian companies at the 27 th International trade expo in Jakarta this year from Oct 17 to 21 Oct ,” the ambassador said .