JAKARTA. National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro and Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Peter MacArthur launched in Jakarta on Tuesday a local economy development project worth C$18 million (US$13.31 million) for the provinces of Gorontalo and Southeast Sulawesi.

The project will focus on the micro-middle economy sector, which is being developed to serve as an investment friendly center for economic growth in both provinces, Bambang said as reported by Antara.

The project will be implemented under the National Support for Local Investment Climates (NSLIC) and National Support for Enhancing Local and Regional Economic Development (NSELRED), which are funded by Canadian government.

“We will develop potential businesses in the provinces and bolster investment in order to create more jobs. The efforts are expected to increase the people’s welfare," he said, adding that the project is expected to help resolve unemployment, poverty and economic disparity.

He expressed his hopes that the partnership would be implemented in an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable manner so that it may benefit the people of Gorontalo and Southeast Sulawesi.

Meanwhile, Ambassador MacArthur expressed expects the project to create a conducive environment for investment in the provinces.

"This program is part of the commitments of the Canadian governments to support Indonesia’s economic development," he added.

Bambang said the project would involve a number of ministries and institutions, including the Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and the provincial governments.

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie