AIBC News: Issue Number 200
Across our membership, AIBC is continuing to see strong interest in engaging with Indonesia, and in building trade and business connections with our nearest neighbour.
Over the past month, AIBC partnered with DFAT and Austrade in hosting the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Ms Penny Williams, at a series of in person networking events held around Australia. In presenting “A View from Jakarta” Ambassador Williams highlighted that Indonesia is very much open for business, with opportunities for deepening two-way trade and investment links across the Healthcare, Education and Training, Resources and Energy and Agribusiness sectors.
Earlier this year, AIBC was honoured to partner with the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth in hosting HE Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, for a roundtable discussion on collaboration in the critical minerals, lithium and electric vehicle value chain, with representatives of the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, MIND ID (Mining Industry Indonesia), the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, and Indonesian Battery Corporation, as well as Geoscience Australia and Australian representatives from the critical minerals and lithium industry. As Indonesia seeks to position itself as a manufacturing hub for the production of electric vehicles, there is real opportunity for Australia and Indonesia to form strategic partnerships in this area.
Through May this year AIBC will be partnering with the Indonesian Government in hosting a national series of events as part of the “ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) Roadshow”. As chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia has announced its key themes of health architecture, food security, energy security and financial stability – with a focus on post covid recovery and rebuilding, the digital economy and financial sustainability. These Business Forums will provide an important opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between Indonesian and Australian industry and government representatives, in the lead up to Indonesia’s hosting of the ASEAN Business Summit in Bali in September 2023. Placeholders are being sent around shortly with more information so you can mark your diaries. Note, these events will give a priority to members.
As part of our advocacy efforts, AIBC has been actively engaging with government on key issues of interest to members, including the IA-CEPA Skills Development Exchange and on much needed reforms to visa requirements for Indonesians visiting Australia. AIBC also provided input into the Government’s SEA Economic Strategy on opportunities and challenges across key sectors.
Throughout the year, AIBC’s State Chapters will be arranging a series of networking and other events, aimed at providing up-to-date market intelligence and connections. AIBC’s Industry Groups (Healthcare; Mining and Energy; Agriculture and Food; Education, Skills and Training and Investment, Finance and Infrastructure) are also active, providing a valuable industry sector focus for our membership and stakeholders.
AIBC is also pleased to welcome Rosemary Guyatt as AIBC’s new Executive Officer. Rosemary’s strong interest in Indonesia combined with her extensive experience in membership engagement, will be very relevant to the growth and future direction of AIBC.
Finally, AIBC is a voluntary organisation which relies on the support of its members. If you are not already a member, we encourage you to join.
We look forward to seeing you at our many events throughout 2023.
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