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The visit by Prince Andrew, Duke of York, to Indonesia is
expected to attract more investment from the United Kingdom in several
business sectors, mainly energy and mining, the government says.
In separate talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice
President Jusuf Kalla on Thursday, the UK special envoy for trade and
investment said he was impressed with the economic growth, political
stability and democracy Indonesia has achieved during the past 10 years.
Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal told a media conference at the
State Palace that the Prince promised to convey "the good news" about
Indonesia to the business community in Britain and Europe.
"Prince Andrew said Indonesia should have been included in the current
grouping of the biggest emerging markets of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India
and China).
"He promised to take the success story to Britain, Europe and the
international community to make them more aware of Indonesia's
potential," he said.
"The President greatly appreciates Britain as the second biggest
investor in Indonesia last year, with a total investment of US$1.6
billion in 63 projects."
Prince Andrew, who started his visit Monday, made a short visit to West
Papua province on Wednesday to observe the Tangguh LNG block operated
by British energy giant BP.
After meeting with the Prince, Vice President Kalla said Indonesia
would welcome British requests for further business cooperation.
"But we have to be sure that we can get the best prices and gain as
much as possible from the business cooperation for the sake of the
national interest," Kalla said, as quoted by Antara.
"Investment products, such as natural gas from Tangguh block, should be
prioritized to meet our energy demands."
As Tangguh operator, BP holds a 37.16 percent stake in the project. The
remaining stakes are owned by CNOOC Ltd., LNG Japan Corporation, MI
Berau BV, Nippon Oil Exploration Berau and KG Companies.
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