Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Eight foreign companies expressed interest in investing a total of US$10.4 million in Batam, Riau Islands province, in February 2012, a local official said.

The eight companies came from Singapore, Malaysia, India, the United States, Germany, and South Korea, Dwi Djoko Wiwoho, director of one-stop integrated services and public relations at the Batam Management Board (BP Batam), said here on Friday.

"Most of the companies were interested in the electronic industry. Only a few of them were eager to engage in the shipping industry," he said.

He said this year BP Batam was focusing on promoting its investment potentials to Asia, East Asia in particular after the European and US crises had shown no signs of recovery.

"However, European and US companies are still interested in investing in Batam. This is encouraging," he said.

He expressed hope that Batam would remain as a main investment destination for American and European countries.

BP Batam has set itself the target of attracting 100 foreign investors this year.

"Until February 12 investors have expressed keen interest in investing in Batam. And 10 of them have realized their investment commitment," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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