AIBC Newsletter April, Issue Number 206
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Dear AIBC Members and Friends,
Greetings from Canberra! I am pleased to bring this month's newsletter to you while our President, Jennifer Mathews, takes some leave.
The past few weeks have been an exciting and productive time for AIBC as we continue to strengthen the Australia-Indonesia business relationship.
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Judy Anderson
Vice President
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Australia Indonesia Business Council
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Insights from AIBC Strategy Day
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The AIBC Board and Industry Chairs recently held a Strategy Day on the eve of the FIFA World Cup qualifier Socceroos v Indonesia match to refine our vision and priorities for the year ahead. Key themes included:
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- Strengthening member engagement and industry collaboration
- Enhancing advocacy efforts to address trade and investment challenges
- Expanding partnerships to support Australian businesses in Indonesia and vice versa.
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We are eager to hear more about your experience and issues in relation to Australia-Indonesia trade and investment. Please contact Rosemary Guyatt at executiveofficer@aibc.com.au if you would like:
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- To engage further in AIBC Industry groups
- To share with us what has been working for you; and
- Help work through issues expanding your business.
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The football match in Sydney provided a wonderful and fun opportunity for members to gather and hear more about Sports Diplomacy, thanks to Lydia Santoso, Robbie Gaspar, Mark Aubrey and Sydney University PPIA and to watch the game.
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AIBC President's Meetings with DFAT and Ambassador Siswo
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Last month, the AIBC met with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to discuss key developments in the Australia-Indonesia relationship. We were pleased to receive an update on the implementation of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and emerging sectoral and business opportunities. This strategy is a growing priority as Australia diversifies its trade opportunities.
AIBC was also pleased to meet with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Siswo Pramono. Our discussions highlighted opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment, addressing market access issues, and fostering greater business-to-business engagement in key areas. These included:
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- Agriculture – live cattle, beef and dairy – including as part of the Red Meat and Cattle Partnership and School Lunch Program
- Textiles, Clothing & Footwear – drawing on Australia’s expertise in high-end fashion and branding, with production opportunities in Indonesia; and
- Critical minerals, lithium, and bauxite, noting that Indonesia continues to offer a competitive environment for value-adding and downstreaming in this area.
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AIBC Roundtable Discussions
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As part of the AIBC National Conference in 2024, AIBC hosted a series of roundtable discussion with key stakeholders. The sessions highlighted:
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- Priority sectors for growth, including energy transition, digital economy, and agribusiness
- The need for stronger business facilitation mechanisms under IA-CEPA
- Strategies to enhance two-way investment and collaboration
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We are pleased to share the AIBC Roundtable Discussions Mar 2025 from the conference roundtables. A copy of the report has been provided to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Austrade Investment Mission
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Peter McGregor, AIBC Investment and Infrastructure group Chair, participated in Austrade’s recent investment mission to Indonesia. Australian investors met in Jakarta between 10-13 February for the largest ever Southeast Asia Investment Deal Team mission, led by Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor of Western Sydney University.
The delegation comprised 39 senior representatives from 27 leading organisations. “The calibre and size of the mission underscores the increased interest Australian investors have in Indonesia – one of the fastest and largest growing markets,” said Professor Jennifer Westacott.
Over four days, delegates participated in a range of briefings with senior Indonesian government representatives and ministries, attended the Mandiri Investment Forum, and joined bespoke business matching meetings and sector-themed panels.
Key takeaways included:
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- Strong interest in Australian expertise across infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy
- The importance of long-term relationship-building with Indonesian partners
- Navigating regulatory and operational complexities to achieve business success
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The mission reinforced Indonesia’s position as a key market for Australian investors and the need for continued engagement and support from organisations like AIBC.
Interested in joining this sector group, contact Peter McGregor.
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We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events as we continue to strengthen Australia-Indonesia business connections. Stay tuned for further updates, and as always, we welcome your feedback and participation.
Warm regards,
Judy Anderson
Vice President, Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC)
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