AIBCnews: Issue 190 - July/August 2020
Dear Members and Friends,
The terrible COVID-19 situation continues to place great strain on many nations, and only this week Jakarta has returned to lockdown following a spike in cases.
Against this backdrop, we all strive to do what we can to keep business, economies and communities afloat, and it is encouraging to see the strong support and interest that IA-CEPA continues to gather, despite the obvious challenges.
In a welcome and important development, Andrew Forrest and his FMG/Minderoo team recently visited Jakarta to sign a cooperation agreement covering the development of large-scale renewable hydroelectric and geothermal power installations, as well as launch initiatives to combat plastic waste.
With investments of this scale, and the energy of Mr Forrest behind them, this move will hopefully deliver a significant lift to overall bilateral Trade and Investment levels, and serve as encouragement for others to follow.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and Andrew Forrest after signing their cooperation agreement (Jakarta - Friday 4 September - pic courtesy AFR)
To keep people informed and enthused, a steady stream of varied Virtual Events and other initiatives are being rolled-out, many by AIBC or with AIBC involvement, and we are pleased to work together with Austrade on their IA-CEPA Business Connect program of events that runs until the end of October.
We have been delighted to partner with the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, the Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre (Sydney) and all Consulates General and Consulates around the country on a recent Webinar Series promoting investment opportunities in a range of Provinces. This collaboration once again underscores the very close and effective working relationship we have with such key stakeholders and friends.
AIBC also has been involved in the ongoing development of the “Blueprint for Deepening Australia’s Business Engagement in Indonesia”, an initiative of DFAT as part of the Plan of Action for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under which IA-CEPA rests.
Finally, our eight AIBC Chapters have recently concluded their Annual General Meetings, and I thank all our volunteer committee Members for their ongoing support and efforts. It is only through the passion, energy and commitment of these many people, that AIBC is able to serve its Members and contribute to the Australia-Indonesia relationship in the way that it has for over 30 years.
To continue reading the entire edition of Newsletter 190, please click here.
