W Sumatra Must Improve Regional Competitiveness: Observer

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Economic development observer from Andalas University of Padang, Prof. Werry Darta Taifur said that West Sumatra Provincial Government must improve the competitiveness of the region firstly before offering investment abroad.

"Investment will come to a region determined by regional competitiveness, product competitiveness and low bureaucratic costs," he said in Padang on Wednesday.

He said it was responding to a visit from West Sumatra officials visiting abroad to offer investment opportunities to several countries.

In general, the explanation of regional competitiveness is the ability of regional economy in achieving a high level of welfare and sustainable growth while remaining open to domestic and international competition.

He explained based on the results of the study "National University of Singapore", regional competitiveness in West Sumatra was ranked 23 of 34 provinces in Indonesia.

So, as long as the competitiveness of West Sumatra as low as now, it is not attractive for foreign investors to invest although promotion to various countries is often done.

Then, he argues that regional competitiveness is determined by the infrastructure, human resources, business environment, and bureaucratic services.

Currently, infrastructure is already a lot of progress, but there are strategic roads such as Padang-Bukittinggi which does not fixed yet and the development of Teluk Bayur Port has not been realized.

Large foreign investors who are related to natural resources must already have data about potential reserves of the earth with its technology and information network.

"If the potential is large, investors will come and they will not afford the opportunity," he remarked.

In August 2017 to March 2018, the Governor of West Sumatra has visited several times abroad such as to Canada, United States, and Australia.

Then in the near future, the governor plans to offer potential of Ranah Minang to Japan to attract potential investors who want to invest in some of the leading areas. (cha)