TOURISM POTENTIAL OF BALI

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the progress made by the technical fact-finding mission to Indonesia on the tourism potential of Bali.

Mr Tang See Chim (for the Minister for Finance): The technical mission returned to Singapore on 8th May, 1968, and its members are preparing a report for submission to the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore. The report is now in the course of being printed and will soon be laid before Parliament.

All I can say at this stage is that the prospects of successful development of Bali as an international tourist centre are much better than had previously been thought possible. The preparation of the runway to cope with international jet airliners is in an advanced stage. Another welcome factor is the willingness of the Indonesian Government to offer favourable terms to foreign investment in hotels. But, most of all, we are encouraged by the high quality of Indonesian engineers and architects now planning the Bali project. Professional members of the Singapore mission were impressed by their qualifications, experience and dedication.

There are, however, a number of problems to be solved and no doubt the report will go into these at some length. This project offers much scope for co-operation between the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore within the framework of ASEAN.