Batam, Batamnews - The Batam Concession Agency (BP) had the opportunity to explain the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) at the World Expo 2020 Dubai, Thursday (11/11/2021). The activity carries the theme "Future Development of Indonesia Special Economic Zone".

This activity was held in a hybrid manner, namely face-to-face at the Indonesia Pavilion, Dubai, and online via the Zoom application.

Present the Director-General of the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), Ali Abdulla bin Towaih Al Suwaidi; President of Urban Designers Asia-Pacific, Dian Rosnawati; Deputy Chairman III of the SEZ National Council Executive Team, Budi Santoso and Head of the BP Batam Public Relations, Promotion, and Protocol Bureau, Ariastuty Sirait as resource persons.

The webinar was opened by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto via online. In his remarks, Airlangga said, abundant natural resources, a productive workforce, a good level of growth, and market expansion are the determining factors for Indonesia's economic development potential.

"The government established a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to stimulate economic growth, increasing investment opportunities and industrial activities, as well as optimizing export-import activities," said Airlangga.

Until 2021, there are 19 SEZs spread throughout Indonesia, ranging from manufacturing, tourism, and other tertiary industries.

“SEZs in Indonesia have offered a variety of unlimited facilities to facilitate investors, in the form of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. SEZ itself is one of the national strategic projects that are a priority for the Indonesian government," concluded Airlangga.

Head of BP Batam's Public Relations, Promotion and Protocol Bureau, Ariastuty Sirait, opened an online presentation about the Health SEZ entitled Sekupang International Health Service, Batam.

"Some of the potential markets owned by the Batam Health SEZ include the pharmaceutical industry with an investment value of Rp 110 trillion and the medical equipment industry with an investment value of Rp 49 trillion," said Ariastuty.

Based on data obtained from the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), the Indonesian people have spent Rp 160 trillion per year on the cost of treatment carried out abroad, especially in Singapore and Malaysia.

“Batam will seize this opportunity through the Health SEZ. With a land area of ​​44.5 hectares and an investment value of USD 215 million, BP Batam will develop an international standard hospital, pharmacy, and medical equipment, as well as accommodation," explained Ariastuty.

In addition, through the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and KEK areas, equipped with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, Batam offers convenience to invest with potential development including fitness tourism, the best medical universities, and integrated health management system.

“The International Health Service SEZ is the first and only one currently in Indonesia. With the support of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy of the Republic of Indonesia and the BP Batam Supervisory Board, BP Batam is committed to assisting the investment process in Batam," he said.

"We also invite investors to come to Batam and witness firsthand the potential of Batam as a value-added investment area," concluded Ariastuty.