Chief Economics Minister Chairul Tanjung has said North Sulawesi will build a 39 kilometer toll road linking Manado and Bitung. The project to be built in two sections, will cost around Rp4.16 trillion, Chairul said to Antara News on Sunday (12/03/2014).

Construction of the first section of 13.5 ki8lometers to cost Rp800 billion or around US$80 million, will be financed with fund from the state budget. The remaining 25.5 kilometers will be built and financed by the Toll Road Corporation (BUJT).

According to the Minister, after completion, BUJT will operate the 25.5 kilometer part of the toll road which is estimated to cost Rp3 trillion. “The toll road would greatly contribute to development of the regional economy,” he said. The North Sulawesi provincial administration hoped that the project could be implemented immediately, while the ring road that been built in Manado is expected to be completed soon.

Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board recorded, North Sulawesi is known as producer of coconut, cocoa, cloves, and coffee. Accompanied with the results of marine aquaculture, such as: snapper, grouper, and seaweed, North Sulawesi became a supplier of plantation crops and fisheries of the world.

While Indonesia Central Bank (Bank Indonesia) report stated that North Sulawesi economy in early 2014 showed impressive growth. This is reflected in the rate of economic growth in the first quarter of 2014 is 7.98% (yoy), higher than the growth in the same period in 2013 which recorded 7.57% (yoy).