Bengkulu and China sign MoU on coal mining and electricity

Bengkulu province has agreed to develop a bilateral cooperation with China in coal mining and electricity, Antara news agency reported on Friday.

The provincial administration of Bengkulu and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard on Friday in Jakarta.

Chinese deputy energy minister Li Qing Kui and his entourage consists of leading businessmen and government officials visited Bengkulu from November 12 - 13.

During their visit, the members of the Chinese delegation made a series of survey tours to coal mining sites and electricity plants.

Bengkulu Governor Hasan Zen has briefed the visiting Chinese delegation on the prospects of coal mining and electricity investments in the province. Hasan told them that Bengkulu has abundant coal reserves and the province needs investors to exploit them.

He also revealed the province?s plan to construct a huge power plant to cater the needs of Bengkulu people and others in the neighboring provinces.

Among the coal mining sites visited by the Chinese delegation were PT Bukit Sanur and a coal deposit plant in North Bengkulu.

At the end of their visit, the Chinese delegation has expressed interest in importing coal, crude palm oil (CPO) and rubber from Bengkulu.

Until June 30, 2003, Bengkulu exported 177,089 tons of coal to Malaysia and earned US$3.5 million from the export. In 2002, the coal exports stood at 446,000 ton. (*)