Cooperation with China in developing Bitung SEZ continues

The cooperation between PT Membangun Sulut Hebat and China Road and Bridge Corporation in developing the Bitung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will continue after both parties signed an agreement last week.

President Director of PT Membangun Sulut Hebat (MSH) Jefferson Lungkang, also called Jeffry, said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a follow-up of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed by the North Sulawesi Provincial government and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) in 2017.

"Based on the MoU, North Sulawesi provincial government assigns MSH and CCCC appoints CRBC (to realize the cooperation). After that, we process, establish common perception and signed the MoA," he told bisnis.com on Tuesday (18/06).

Jeffri said based on the agreement, CRBC will carry out a feasibility study on the Bitung SEZ, which is expected to be completed in two years.

Jeffri said at least 40 investors have expressed their interest to invest in Bitung SEZ. They come from a number of countries such as Japan, China, South Korea and Australia.

These investors engage in various industries such as fishery, coconut processing, energy and port operators.

The North Sulawesi provincial government plans to set aside 441 hectares of land. Of this land needed, 92 hectares is owned by the North Sulawesi provincial government, which will be granted to MSH.

MSH is a provincial government-owned company.

Bitung SEZ is among tens of SEZs that are being developed or to be developed by the Indonesian government, as a move to stimulate economic growth in regional areas. (*)