Music Room, Malacanang
30 May 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Indonesian Presidential Special Adviser T.B. Silalahi, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Dahlan Iskan and Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Yohanes Kristiato Soeryo Legowa in a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace.

In a prior conversation with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, the officials discussed the positive growth of the Philippine economy that is reflected in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Sec. Purisima shared that consumption is the main driver of the economy and it is supported by OFW remittances as well as profits from the sector of business process outsourcing and tourism. He also informed the Indonesian officials that their country is the Philippines’ main supplier of coal which powers up renewable energy power plants.

Minister Dahlan Iskan expressed his interest in learning how to increase geothermal power plant sources from the Philippines.

Both parties agreed that they must increase bilateral trade to further strengthen the existing ties of the two countries.

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