TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – During a bilateral meeting between Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calvino in Washington, D.C., the potential for green and sustainable investments in Indonesia took center stage.

Sri Mulyani highlighted Indonesia's significant growth potential, particularly driven by its burgeoning middle class. She underscored infrastructure development, including toll roads, railways, ports, and airports, as promising areas for further expansion.

As a key financial institution of the European Union, the EIB expressed interest in deepening collaboration with the Indonesian government. Several pipeline projects have already been initiated, focusing on public transportation, urban development initiatives, and healthcare facility enhancements.

During the meeting, Minister Sri Mulyani extended congratulations to Nadia on her recent appointment as EIB President in January 2024, expressing hope for future encounters.

It is noteworthy that Sri Mulyani attended the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where she participated in various activities, including the IMF Fiscal Forum. At the forum, she served as a panelist alongside IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath, Chilean Finance Minister Mario Marcel, and European Commission Director General for Economic and Financial Affairs Maarten Verwey.

During the forum, Sri Mulyani shared Indonesia's experiences in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of discretion in policymaking, particularly during crises. She highlighted Indonesia's adaptive policy responses in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Additionally, Sri Mulyani participated as a speaker in a panel titled "Transforming Challenge into Action: Expanding Health Coverage for All." Here, she emphasized the significance of improving the quality of human resources, both in education and healthcare, as the foundation for inclusive and equitable economic growth.

The discussions at these forums underscored Indonesia's commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the resilience of its economy amid global challenges. Through collaboration with international financial institutions like the EIB, Indonesia aims to leverage green investments to drive economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.(*)