NTB Explores Cooperation with China to Build Global Hub

Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, June 22 (Antara) - The government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province is exploring cooperation with China to build Bandar Khayangan "global hub" in North Lombok district, an official stated. "We are exploring cooperation with China to help NTB realize the development of a 'global hub' in North Lombok district," NTB Capital Investment Coordinating Board and Integrated Services (BKPMPT) Chief Ridwansyah said here on Sunday. According to Ridwansyah, NTB's geographical location is highly strategic in terms of global trade because the province is located on the world maritime silk route, and as part of the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lane II (ALKI II) that can facilitate the development of the global hub. "Due to NTB's strategic location in the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lane, we also offer a shipbuilding industry in the province to China because the country has reliable shipbuilding technology," he remarked. He revealed that Governor Muhammad Zainul Majdi had updated President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) regarding the Bandar Khayangan global hub development plan, and the head of state had agreed on the plan to build an international sea port in Lombok to support the maritime toll road program.