Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said Thursday ahead of a visit to Japan that he will seek more Japanese investment in his country’s maritime industry as it seeks efforts to transform itself into a maritime power.

Mr Jokowi, speaking in an interview with Kyodo News, said he will convey that request directly to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visits Japan on Sunday for a four-day state visit, part of a two-nation trip that will also take him to China.

“Two-thirds of Indonesia (consists of) water, so we plan to improve and build our seaports and deep sea ports (in order) to lower our logistics costs,” he said.

“Japan has good experiences in maritime industry, (as well as good) coast guard. If we have a good cooperation, we can improve our maritime industry,” he added.