REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The government of the United Kingdom will support the development of Indonesia to assist the country in becoming the 10th largest economy by 2030, according to British Prime Minister David Cameron.

He said during a business forum here on Monday that he believes Indonesia, which is the 16th largest economy, will be able to achieve its goal, considering its current growth.

Accompanied by a trade delegation of 31 business leaders, Cameron chose Indonesia as the first stop in his 4-day trade mission, which will include visits to Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, as well.

Indonesia, which has a youth majority of 250 million in its population, has the potential to develop the sectors of trade and creative industries, the British prime minister pointed out.

Cameron also urged Indonesians to study in the UK, which has many of the world's best universities, and then apply their knowledge in their home country. This can help improve interpersonal communication among people of two nations, as well.

Upon his arrival in Jakarta on July 27, Cameron and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo held a bilateral meeting to discuss economic cooperation, which was described by the prime minister as productive.

During the meeting, Jokowi stated that trade cooperation between the two countries can be developed better if import duty on Indonesian goods, such as timber, coffee and fisheries products, was reduced.

Moreover, Cameron admitted that cooperation between the United Kingdom and Indonesia in various fields was very promising for both sides and should be further developed, including in the field of creative industries.

"As discussed earlier, it is important for us to increase trade cooperation with Indonesia, as well as with ASEAN," he remarked.

In addition, the UK government will make some 1 billion available to finance infrastructure projects in Indonesia through its export guarantee scheme. This funding can pave the way for the growth of exports worth 200 million to the UK.

Projects up for grabs include a sewage treatment system in Jakarta worth 400 million and geothermal power projects worth 66 million, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

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