SINGAPORE AND INDONESIA CONVENE 4TH JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION IN BATAM, BINTAN AND KARIMUN

Singapore, 9 February 2007 — Ministers from Singapore and Indonesia held their 4th Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting on economic cooperation in Batam, Bintan and Karimun today. This continues a series of regular meetings under the Framework Agreement to develop special economic zones in the Indonesian islands of Batam, Bintan and Karimun, which was signed on 25 June 2006.

At today’s meeting, the JSC noted the progress and need to continue focusing on the action plans in areas such as capability development, customs, immigration, investment, industrial relations and manpower training in order to meet the shared objectives of boosting exports, attracting investments and creating jobs in Batam, Bintan and Karimun.

The Indonesian delegation comprised the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration, Minister of Finance, and the Governor of KEPRI.

The Singapore delegation was represented by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defense, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, SINGAPORE
9 February 2007