Palm | Kelapa Sawit

"In 2010, we've reached 10 percent of the needs of Singapore's supply of vegetables," Hatta said after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on working visit in Riau Islands Province on Sunday.

Hatta emphasized that the government agreed to make the Riau Islands as a center of agriculture, especially vegetables that will be exported to Singapore.

The government hopes that the existence of the Riau Islands as a center of agriculture could boost vegetable exports Indonesia to Singapore.

"Until 2014, we already have to increase above 40 percent," he said.

Hatta said the president has commissioned a number of researchers from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture to examine the types of agricultural products are suitable to be developed in the Riau Islands and then exported to Singapore.

The President also asked local officials to plan special agricultural land clearing for agricultural products.

The President also reminded that all have to give priority to regional development while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Presidential visit also resulted in an agreement to build the Riau Islands to be integrated area for the various sectors, including fisheries, business and tourism.

For that, the government will build a number of infrastructure, especially ports and bridges. It will able to increase the connectivity among islands in Kepulauan Riau Province.

In fact, according to Hatta Rajasa, Ministry of Communications is ready to give one unit of the vessel to support the inter-island connectivity.

The government also has prepared a draft spatial Riau Islands are considered to facilitate the achievement of government targets to make the province as one of the attractions of Indonesia.

"The discussion of this spatial structure at the ministerial level has been completed, and just remained to discuss with the House," said Hatta Rajasa.