Jakarta, May 17 -- The Jakarta administration has expressed interest in learning from the French city of Cannes in developing a strong economy driven by tourism and creative events, citing the Cannes Film Festival, which attracts around 45,000 visitors annually.

"It is incredible that Cannes has grown into a city that thrives on the event industry. In fact, the tourism sector contributes 40 percent of its economy. We need to emulate this approach in Jakarta," Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said.

According to a press release received here on Sunday, he made the statement after leading a delegation to meet Cannes Deputy Mayor Thomas de Pariente in Cannes on Thursday (May 14).

Rano said the Jakarta administration is interested in esta...