AIBCnews: Issue 193 - March / April 2021
Dear Members and Friends,
With many countries around the globe suffering terrible second, third and fourth waves of COVID-19 infections, our governments, health systems and pharmaceutical companies race to effectively roll out the vaccines that will get us to a position of manageably living with COVID-19 in our communities. International travel remains particularly difficult, and not recommended, except for repatriation and exceptional circumstances, making international business and recreational travel a distant memory for most.
In this time though we are delighted to welcome Australia’s new Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms Penny Williams PSM. The Ambassador’s appointment was formally announced on the 14th of April, as Gary Quinlan AO concluded his posting.
AIBC was also delighted to be represented by our ACT Chapter Chair, Judy Anderson, at a farewell reception in Canberra recently for Ambassador Quinlan, hosted by DFAT Secretary Frances Adamson, and attended by many familiar faces with a long-standing association between our countries. We wish Gary all the very best in his next chapter, and thank him for his exemplary service during his long and distinguished career.
Australia’s new Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms Penny Williams PSM
In another recent development, the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), which plays a critical role for Australian businesses in Indonesia, was elevated to the official status of a Ministry, with BKPM Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia becoming the inaugural Investment Minister in a move to further strengthen Indonesia’s appeal to foreign investors.
Looking ahead, next year Indonesia will assume the Presidency of the G20 and will host G20 Leaders later in the year for the annual G20 Summit. This will be a great opportunity for the G20 to meet in our neighbourhood, and bring a focus to Trade, Investment and other important matters in our region. It will also be a reminder to many Australian businesses of the importance and proximity of Indonesia, as they face heightened pressure to diversify their markets.
With the end of the financial year soon upon us, it is the all-important time of year for AIBC Membership renewals. AIBC Members should by now have received a message from me capturing some of AIBC’s activities through the year, and our ambitions for the future in support of our Members and in developing further the Trade and Investment relationship.
We will soon be marking the 1st anniversary of IA-CEPA, and we have been greatly encouraged by the amount and breadth of activity in support of this Agreement. AIBC’s mission remains very much in the interests of our Members and in the National Interests of both our countries. We hope you will continue with us on this journey, with membership links here for returning and new Members.
To continue reading the March / April 2021 issue, please click here.
