RI Has Important Role In Regional Economy: ADB

Jakarta, Oct 3 (Antara) - Indonesia has an important role in the regional economy, and therefore, it is necessary to increase cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in various fields, according to President of ADB Takehiko Nakao. "Indonesia has an important role in ASEAN and ASEAN plus three, and it plays a crucial role as an emerging economy," Nakao said at a press conference at the presidential office after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday. The ADB president noted that he met President Yudhoyono to discuss Indonesia`s role in G20 and the agenda that would be raised by Indonesia in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Bali. "We discussed many issues, including Indonesia`s leadership in various international economic forums. President Yudhoyono also mentioned Indonesia`s role in G20 and the meeting of APEC leaders in Bali next week," he said. According to Nakao, ADB has prepared "standby trade financing support." Meanwhile, presidential special staff for economic affairs Firmanzah said during the one-hour meeting, President Yudhoyono emphasised that Indonesia and ADB are important partners. Indonesia and ADB are cooperating in various sectors, among others, energy, clean water facility, infrastructure development, and human resources development. "President Yudhoyono believes that it is important to strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and the ADB," Firmanzah said.