VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Entering 25 years of cooperation between Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), a number of important achievements achieved by the three countries. Starting from the growth of IMT-GT in 2016 which reached 4.4 percent to GDP per capita population in the IMT-GT region that recorded the value of USD14.557 in 2016 from the previous USD11.508 in 2011.

This was conveyed by President Joko Widodo while attending the 11th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Meeting at Banyan Room, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

Even from the side of air connectivity, the number of international airports in the IMT-GT area increased by three times from 9 airports in 1995 to 28 international airports today.

Nevertheless, the President reminded that there are still many tough challenges faced in this region.

"The region and the world today are still haunted by the uncertainty resulting from competition between the big powers and the already existing trade war," said President Jokowi.

Therefore, President Jokowi invites the founding member of ASEAN to make IMT-GT cooperation as building block that gives real contribution to the strengthening of ASEAN.

"We must be equally sure that this cooperation brings concrete and inclusive benefits for our people as well for the people of ASEAN," said President Jokowi.

In order to realize this and promote inclusive growth in the IMT-GT region, President Jokowi proposed a number of steps that must be done immediately. In particular, infrastructure development especially Physical Connectivity Projects (PCP) is believed to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and passengers.

In addition, a number of cooperation in various priority areas should also be continuously improved. Starting from agro-industry, tourism, to the development of digital economy.

President Jokowi also encourages the improvement of skilled, competitive, and able to contribute positively through the Center for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT).

"As a joint secretariat, CIMT should contribute more to the smoothness of cooperation between countries as well as with other international organizations," said President Jokowi.

Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita, Moeldoko Presidential Chief of Staff, and Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore I Gede Ngurah Swajaya.