Investment Target Overshot In North Sumatra

Medan, North Sumatra, Jan 6 (Antara) - North Sumatra overshot its investment target in 2013 , the Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said. Investment in North Sumatra totaled Rp10.5 trillion in 2013 exceeding the target of Rp9 trillion set for that year, head of the North Sumatra investment and promotion board (BPMP) Purnama Dewi said here on Sunday. Dewi said the North Sumatra has received a token of appreciation, "Regional Champion 2013" from BKPM for the good performance. The citation was granted for 10 best performing province in investment in 2013. "The citation is encouraging amid the gas and electric energy crisis which has beset the province," Dewi said. "It is more encouraging as North Sumatra is also fully facilitated by BKPM to take part in "Investment Promotion Forum Regional Potential Investment Opportunities" in Rime, Italy," she added. The token of appreciation also gives a boost and greater optimism for North Sumatra in facing the greater challenges in 2014, she said. The North Sumatra BPMP would be more encourage to intensify investment promotion to attract more investors to the province, she said "Integrated one stop service system would be promoted," she cited. Secretary of the North Sumatra chapter of the Indonesian Businessmen`s Association (Apindo)Laksamana Adiyaksa said many investors are attracted to North Sumatra as it is strategically located and rich in natural resources. "The biggest problem, however, is the province still is suffering from gas and power energy rife red tape especially in district areas," Laksamana said.