Jakarta. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched its "Building for the Future" campaign in Indonesia for the first time, bringing a delegation of businessmen to Jakarta from February 27 to March 2. The council sought business opportunities, including in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara.

The delegation participated in various events, including the Hong Kong Forum on Urban Development, business matching sessions, and meetings with government and business leaders. The promotion provides opportunities for Indonesian and Hong Kong companies to explore partnerships and strengthen economic ties.

Indonesia has allocated an infrastructure budget of Rp 392 trillion ($26 billion) in 2023 to improve essential services and productivity through connectivity and mobility infrastructure.

During the visit, the HKTDC delegation met with the Secretary of the Nusantara National Capital Authority (OIKN), Jaka Santos Adiwijaya, who welcomed Hong Kong's government and private entrepreneurs to invest in the IKN development process, especially in the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. The OIKN Secretary emphasized that IKN aspires to become a global hub of the world economy.

The Hong Kong Forum for Urban Development focused on smart cities, modern city development, and planning, as well as architectural design.

Stephen Liang, HKTDC's executive director assistant, said, "With rapid infrastructure development and the relocation of the capital city, there are many emerging opportunities. In this revitalization period, there is no better time than now to capture new opportunities that will benefit the business communities of Indonesia and Hong Kong and strengthen economic growth in both places."

Hong Kong businesses have long been leaders in infrastructure and related real estate services, from building and construction to architecture, engineering, and surveying. Companies such as Arup, Ho & Partners Architects Engineers and Development Consultants, MVA Asia, and Sino Group discussed smart city development, infrastructure prospects, and urban construction.

The collaboration between Indonesia and Hong Kong in infrastructure development and other areas of mutual interest is expected to bring significant benefits to both countries and enhance their economic growth and prosperity.

"OIKN wants to collaborate with HKTDC to attract multinational companies that want to relocate their headquarters to IKN, given that IKN offers various facilities and tax incentives for up to 30 years. Hong Kong will be IKN's strategic partner," OIKN's Jaka said.

The HKTDC delegation's visit to Indonesia signals Hong Kong's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Indonesia and supporting Indonesia's development goals.