VOV.VN – As an investor in Vietnam, the CEO of Ciputra Group (Indonesia) evaluates the recent policies of the Vietnamese government, especially the plan to streamline the administrative apparatus that can facilitate businesses and investors.

The visit of General Secretary To Lam brings an important opportunity to further strengthen investment cooperation between the two countries in key areas such as trade, investment, maritime security and people-to-people exchanges.

This is the sharing of the Chairman of the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association and the CEO of Ciputra Group (Indonesia) Budiarsa Sastrawinata about the State visit of General Secretary To Lam and his wife to the Republic of Indonesia, the official visit of the ASEAN Secretariat from March 9-11, 2025.

Affirm strong political trust

President of the Indonesia – Vietnam Friendship Association Budiarsa Sastrawinata emphasized that the visit of General Secretary To Lam is very important for bilateral relations, because the visit reaffirms strong political trust and deepening cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia and Vietnam share a strong strategic partnership and this visit brings an important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, maritime security and people-to-people exchanges. The visit also highlights the common commitment of the two countries to regional stability and economic integration, especially within the framework of ASEAN. In the changing global context, strengthening relations at the highest level will play an important role in promoting the common prosperity and resilience of the region.

With the leaders of the two countries agreeing to promote the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia to a new level, CEO of Ciputra Group (Indonesia) Budiarsa Sastrawinata emphasized the opportunities opened up for the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, trade and investment. Vietnam and Indonesia are both among the fastest growing economies in ASEAN and the deep cooperation allows for new mutually beneficial fields to be opened.

Simplening the apparatus facilitates foreign investment

As an investor in Vietnam, CEO of Ciputra Group (Indonesia) Budiarsa Sastrawinata evaluates the policies of the Vietnamese government recently, especially the plan to streamline the administrative apparatus that can facilitate businesses and investors. Reducing focal points in state and local agencies can make procedures simpler and faster for investors. Therefore, the recent policy of lying the administrative apparatus of the Vietnamese government will be welcomed by foreign investors.

Assessing the potentials, Mr. Budiarsa Sastrawinata said that, in terms of trade, the two sides can aim to optimize the supply chain, reduce trade barriers and expand market access for key items such as agricultural products, seafood and manufactured goods. In terms of investment, this milestone encourages greater capital flows into priority sectors such as infrastructure, energy transformation, digital economy and industrial development. In addition, closer economic ties will support joint ventures and encourage technology transfer, promoting innovation and sustainable growth. With a common vision of regional prosperity, the strengthened partnership also enhances the role of the two countries in ASEAN, strengthens economic integration and resilience to global challenges.

Specifically about potential fields, CEO of Ciputra Group (Indonesia) Budiarsa Sastrawinata shared that Vietnam and Indonesia have great potential to strengthen cooperation in key economic, investment and trade fields. One of the most promising fields is logistics and green traffic. VinFast, Vietnam’s leading electric car manufacturer, is expanding its presence in Indonesia by building an electric car factory in Subang, West Java and launching the Green SM electric taxi service. This is an important step towards cooperation in the field of green transportation, battery production and charging infrastructure, strengthening ASEAN’s joint efforts towards sustainable mobility solutions.

Real estate and infrastructure development also brings great opportunities. Indonesia’s ambitious new capital project Nusantara is a good example, bringing significant potential for Vietnam’s developers, contractors and smart city solution providers to participate in one of the most visionary urban development projects in the region. Similarly, Indonesia’s expertise in mixed development and sustainable urban planning can provide valuable insights for Vietnam’s rapidly growing urban areas such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

In the field of agricultural business, Japfa Comfeed of Indonesia has successfully expanded in Vietnam, building modern animal feed production facilities. This highlights Indonesia’s potential for further investment in Vietnam’s agricultural processing, food production and animal husbandry industries. Strengthening cooperation on food security and supply chain integration will create mutual benefits for both countries, especially as the demand for high-quality agricultural products continues to increase.

According to Mr. Budiarsa Sastrawinata, to fully exploit these opportunities, the governments of the two countries should focus on reducing trade barriers, rationalizing customs procedures and promoting a more friendly investment environment. By strategically cooperating and implementing policies to encourage sustainable investment and trade, Vietnam and Indonesia can exploit the full potential of the economic partnership. This not only brings direct benefits to both countries but also strengthens the key role in economic integration and long-term growth of ASEAN.

Promote people’s communication and exchange

Chairman of the Indonesia – Vietnam Friendship Association Budiarsa Sastrawinata emphasized that tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges are really important pillars in Vietnam-Indonesia relations, not only strengthening economic relations but also promoting mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. He also shared some solutions to further promote these fields.

First, improving air connectivity will be very important in promoting tourism. The increase in direct flights between Vietnam and Indonesia, especially through VietJet and Vietnam Airlines, has made travel more convenient. The expansion of routes and increasing flight frequency, especially to destinations outside Jakarta and Bali, such as Yogyakarta, Labuan Bajo, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, will encourage many tourists from both sides to explore each other’s rich cultural heritage.

Cultural cooperation is another important area in which both countries can strengthen relations. Joint cultural festivals, art exhibitions and film screenings can be held to honor the common history and diversity of the two countries. The introduction of traditional Vietnamese and Indonesian music, dance and cuisine in major cities will promote a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures. In addition, religious and heritage tourism also brings an interesting opportunity such as Borobudur and Prambanan temples in Indonesia.

The education sector is also the main pillar in strengthening people-to-people exchanges. Expanding student exchange programs, scholarship initiatives and cooperation between universities will allow young people from both countries to experience each other’s cultures directly. Encouraging partnerships between leading universities in Vietnam and Indonesia in research, technology and innovation not only strengthens academic relationships but also contributes to the development of the workforce in both countries. Language learning programs can also be promoted, with more opportunities for Indonesian students to learn Vietnamese and vice versa, helping to exchange students, narrow cultural gaps and promote long-term relationships.

Finally, sports diplomacy and youth participation can further strengthen people-to-people relations. The organization of many joint sporting events, university competitions and leadership programs for young professionals will create a long-term bond between the next generation of Vietnamese and Indonesians. Taking advantage of existing regional frameworks such as ASEAN youth exchange programs will also help deepen these connections.

By implementing these initiatives, Vietnam and Indonesia can continue to build dynamic and people-centered partnerships, ensuring that cultural exchange, education and tourism remain a solid foundation for bilateral relations for many years to come.