REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The governments of Indonesia and the Philippines have exchanged invitations for their businessmen to invest in the two nations.

The director general of Asia-Pacific and Africa of the ministry of foreign affairs, Yuri O Thamrin, made the statement at the 65th Investment Conference Philippines and Indonesia on Thursday.

"Indonesia's economy grew by 5.7 percent in 2013, while that of the Philippines grew by 7.2 percent. This made the two countries interesting investment destinations," Thamrin said.

He added that both Indonesia and the Philippines recorded satisfactory growth in development that could encourage them to deepen their future relations through investment.

"I think by investing in each other, the two countries could deepen their bilateral relations further and care more for each other," the ministry official remarked.

He also stated that in the future, Indonesia would continue to improve its ease of conducting business for investors by accelerating its infrastructure development with support from both domestic and overseas investors, among other efforts.

"This is the primary and most important supporter of development, especially that of the economy," Thamrin emphasized.

Moreover, the Philippine embassy's charge d'affaires Roberto C. Manalo expressed hope that the meeting would deepen trade and other bilateral relations between the two nations.

"In the last 65 years, there have never been any misunderstandings. Both the Philippines and Indonesia have considerably high economic growth, and we are waiting for you (Indonesia) to invest in the Philippines," he stated.

Manalo further noted that he believed the Philippines could support development efforts in Indonesia, which are now being focused on the maritime sector. The meeting was attended by the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Suryo Bambang Sulisto, and officials from the two countries.

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