Indonesia targets 10% annual growth in trade with Kuwait
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait, Lina Mariana, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Indonesian relations are witnessing continuous growth, praising the support provided by the State of Kuwait to strengthen ties of cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized Jakarta’s aspiration to expand bilateral partnership in the fields of trade, investment, energy, education, and culture.
This came during a speech delivered by Ambassador Mariana at a diplomatic reception hosted to mark the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, attended by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabah Al-Makhzoum, along with several ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, personalities, and guests.
She noted that both countries are celebrating this year the 58th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, affirming that these relations have seen steady growth at the bilateral, regional, and international levels since then.
Mariana expressed her appreciation for the attendance of Minister Al-Makhzoum and the guests of the celebration, considering this participation a reflection of the deep relations linking Kuwait and Indonesia, and a stimulus to continue joint work in the interest of both peoples.
She stressed the importance of mutual visits by officials in both countries, alongside continuous communication between the two sides, noting that these exchanges contribute to consolidating bilateral relations and opening new horizons for cooperation in various fields.
She pointed to the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two countries, including the agreement to establish a Joint Committee, with an agreement to expedite the implementation of memoranda of understanding signed in different areas.
Ambassador Mariana announced that the two countries have agreed to hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee at the end of November next year, while efforts are underway to complete arrangements for holding the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia.
In the commercial field, she expressed her country’s hope for continued growth in trade exchanges with Kuwait, targeting an annual increase of no less than 10 percent, while working to achieve a greater balance in the volume of trade between the two countries.
She indicated Indonesia’s hope to complete negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during 2026, thereby opening the door to further opportunities for trade and investment cooperation.
She added that Kuwaiti foreign direct investment in Indonesia rose by 20.26 percent compared to 2024, expressing confidence in the continued growth of Kuwaiti investments in the coming years, alongside the two countries’ efforts to enhance cooperation through a bilateral investment agreement.
Ambassador Mariana stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in the fields of education and culture, through the exchange of visits between students and teachers, and strengthening communication between the two peoples.
She praised the visit of 10 distinguished Kuwaiti students to Indonesia last January, sponsored by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, where they were introduced to several vital projects funded by the Fund in Indonesia since 1960.
The reception began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran in a solemn atmosphere, before the attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the earthquake that struck Indonesia a few days ago.
Ambassador Mariana expressed her sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and the affected communities, affirming her solidarity with all those affected by the disaster.
