After receiving French Ambassador Corinne Breuze, who accompanied 22 French businessmen, Rizal told journalists on Monday that some of the guests, who did various business in Indonesia, were well informed about the maritime programme of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration.

“Investment from (French businesses) is important for the realisation of Indonesia’s ambition to become a global maritime axis, and it will strengthen the country’s integration and economy,” Rizal said after the closed-door meeting.

Breuze said some of the 22 businessmen who met with Rizal had been in Indonesia for up to 20 years, while others would be newcomers in the maritime sector.