VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Malaysian government is conducting an assessment for investment opportunities in the province of East Kalimantan which has been named as the location for Indonesia's new capital city. The Malaysian government saw the rapid progress in the economic development in East Kalimantan, especially when the capital city eventually is relocated to the region, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Bakar, said in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Wednesday.

He visited East Kalimantan to further understand the opportunities for cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, education, industry and tourism.

"In addition, we also want to see the footprints of Indonesia's new capital city in East Kalimantan. If allowed," the ambassador said.

His government had sent a delegate to follow up on a number of matters, including a study of the investment potential and cooperation between the two parties involved, he further said.

Meanwhile, East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Hadi Mulyadi welcomed the visit of the ambassador and responded positively to Malaysia's keenness to work with East Kalimantan.

"Our natural resource potential is very large. There are plantations for crude palm oil. Also, swallow bird nests can be down-streamed. There is also the education sector for Malaysian students and tourism in Berau District," he said.

During his visit, Ambassador Bakar was accompanied by his wife, Sakhiah Mohd Soom.  (ANTARA)