Indonesian daily newspaper Jakarta Globe said that the Indonesian President will make visits to Singapore, Myanmar and Brunei. He leaves for Singapore on April 22, following which he will fly to Myanmar capital Naypyitaw on April 23 for a two-day state visit where he will hold meetings with Myanmar President Thein Sein.

An Indonesian presidential adviser is quoted as saying that Yudhoyono’s visit to Myanmar is aimed at expanding ties between the two countries.

The two presidents will reportedly witness the signing of several memorandums of understanding which are related to bilateral trade, capacity building and investment.

Earlier this month, representatives of 11 Indonesian companies, as well as delegates led by the Indonesian Economic Affairs Minister, visited Myanmar and discussed investment, trade and business matters with a view to reaching US$1 billion in bilateral trade by 2016.

Meanwhile, Indonesian state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia is eyeing opportunities to open a branch in Myanmar. Another Indonesian company, the country’s largest cement producer, PT Semen Indonesia, has announced that it plans to begin building a $200 million cement plant in Myanmar in early 2014.
 
Indonesian construction company PT Wijaya Karya and tin mining company PT Timah have also obtained licenses to operate in Myanmar.

On March 25, Jakarta Globe reported that Indonesian state-controlled coal miner Bukit Asam plans to build a coal-fired power plant in Myanmar, which will become the biggest of its kind in the country, and has set aside $80 million to expand its business into Myanmar.

After visiting to Myanmar, President Yudhoyono will go to Brunei on April 24 to attend the 22nd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional meetings.

Myanmar President Thein Sein visited Jakarta in May 2011.