AIBCnews: Issue 182 - September 2019
With the recent week-long State Visit of Prime Minister Morrison to the US behind us, our Government is one of a growing coalition of nations urging an end to the US-China Trade war. With many such uncertainties and distractions, it is crucial that Australia and Indonesia press ahead with IA-CEPA, to lock in the great gains on offer for both countries whilst goodwill and momentum are high.
Moving us importantly towards IA-CEPA ratification, the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled their Report to the Australian Parliament, stating that “In the Committee’s view, both the IA-CEPA, and the A-HKFTA and Hong Kong Investment Agreement, are in Australia’s national interest” and that “The Committee recommends binding treaty action in both cases”. More on IA-CEPA can be found in “IA-CEPA Corner” below.
Our Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will be travelling to Jakarta for President Jokowi’s inauguration on 20 October, following the recent swearing in of the new Indonesian Parliament on the 1st of October. This visit will be another great opportunity to underscore the closeness of our two countries, the importance of our relationship, and bring further focus to the conclusion of IA-CEPA.
Many would have observed that former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also recently visited Indonesia to meet with a number of key figures, including President Jokowi, and advocate for the ratification of IA-CEPA. He was also able to join our Ambassador for his first ride on Jakarta’s highly-lauded new MRT, and deliver a keynote address at the University of Indonesia, placing emphasis on Indonesia’s “relatively underdone” economic partnership with Australia.
Ambassador Kristiarto Legowo opens IABS 2019 with his keynote address
In Sydney, AIBC recently supported the Indonesian Embassy in the delivery of the Indonesia-Australia Business Summit 2019, which was formally opened by Ambassador Legowo together with the new Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC. This Summit, which is now in its 5th year, focused on the Automotive, Education and Infrastructure sectors, bringing together key leaders in these fields from both countries. AIBC was pleased to play a role in each of these sessions, helping to advance important conversations and connections. One of the great friends of the Australia-Indonesia relationship, BKPM Chairman Tom Lembong, addressed the forum via a pre-recorded video which can be viewed here.
To continue reading September's news, please click here.
