Antara News is reporting that Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Jerry Sambuaga, held a bilateral meeting with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Economy, Joao Rui Ferreira, in Lisbon, Portugal on Wednesday (25/9/24,), to discuss efforts to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, saying that “we will also explore the potential for cooperation to increase and diversify two-way trade.”
He noted that one of the Indonesian government’s key strategies for expanding bilateral trade with Portugal involves promoting collaboration in other potential sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, digital technology, defense, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
He added that cooperation in renewable energy development could be particularly beneficial for Indonesia, as Portugal is a leader in the field, especially in wind and solar power.
In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 61 percent of Portugal’s electricity consumption, says Antara News.
Sambuaga further highlighted that collaboration in tourism and digital technology could boost tourist visits between the two countries.
He also mentioned Portugal’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem, particularly in the technology sector, and its data centers, which could serve as a hub for Indonesia.
“We are also seeking defense sector cooperation with Portugal, which has a strong defense industry, particularly in military technology such as radar systems, avionics, and cybersecurity,” he said.
Antara News reports that additionally, potential partnerships in agriculture and pharmaceuticals were discussed during the September 20 meeting.
Sambuaga emphasized that cooperation in these sectors could support sustainable agricultural development, horticulture and plantation expansion, food processing technology, and drug research and development.
Source: Antara News
