US President Barack Obama Friday claimed a share of the credit asBoeing sealed its largest-ever commercial aircraft order to build 230 jets worth $21.7 billion for Indonesia’s Lion Air.

The deal, for 201 737 MAXs and 29 737-900 ERs, bolsteredObama’s strategic decision to orient the struggling US economy with booming markets in emerging Asia, which he sees as an engine of US jobs growth for years to come.

Obama officiated at the signing of papers sealing the deal between Boeing and Lion Air, a low-cost regional carrier, before plunging into a day of diplomacy with Southeast Asian leaders on the last leg of a Pacific tour.

“The US administration and the (Export-Import Bank) in particular were critical in facilitating this deal,” Obama said, saying such commercial successes were critical to his goal of doubling US exports to speed recovery.

“I want to congratulate Boeing for making outstanding planes, including the one I fly on,” Obama said, referring to his iconic presidential 747, at the ceremony on the Indonesian island of Bali attended by top US officials and Lion Air executives.