JAKARTA/LEGIAN ~ President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Bali provincial administration to formulate new policies to facilitate investment in the province, Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika said.Pastika made the statement after he and Deputy Governor AA Puspayoga met President Yudhoyono at the latter’s office.

“One of the things we do to attract investors is to provide prospective investors with true and correct information. We do not just invite them without more,” the governor said.

He said businessmen who would like to invest in Bali would be given information about the existing business potential and opportunities on the island.

“Another matter which we are going to improve is the issuance of investment permits in relation with cost, time and legal aspects for investors who would like to invest not only in tourism but also in the [agricultural] and infrastructure sectors,” Mangku Pastika said.

He said at the meeting with President Yudhoyono, the head of state also asked him to focus his attention on reduction of poverty, unemployment and improvements in education, health, infrastructure, governance and public services.