Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith has arrived in Indonesia to build further discussions around the State Government’s in-country trade representation.
The delegation will also converge on Djakarta to support the Australia Indonesia Business Week, with Federal Government Trade Minister Andrew Robb.
The meetings in West Java are an opportunity to discuss the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the SA Government and the Province of West Java.
The signing, which occurred during SA’s OzAsia Festival in September, focuses on business, education, agriculture, arts and culture and government-to-government knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Mr Hamilton-Smith said the SA Government wants to contribute to the rapid growth and development of West Java.
“SA product and service companies can contribute to the growing economy in West Java," he said.
"Indonesia is emerging as a regional and global economy and provides us with an opportunity for mutual benefits across our key sectors."
Indonesia is ASEAN’s largest economy and is forecast to emerge as one of the top 10 global economies between 2025 and 2030 by most transnational economics agencies.
Mr Hamilton-Smith will participate in a workshop that will further support development of the strategic partnership with West Java.
“We will discuss ways in which SA can contribute to Indonesia’s development, particularly in food security, including agribusiness services and technology and regulatory frameworks,” he said.
“The delegation will also focus on how to grow key export sectors including infrastructure development, increasing regional aviation opportunities, health technologies and services, education and skills development and automotive and associated supply chains.”
Mr Hamilton-Smith said increasing the State’s presence in South East Asia will help strengthen cultural and trade links with the region.
The Indonesian market holds significant potential for SA businesses.
Australian trade with Indonesia has been increasing over the past five years and was Australia’s eighth largest trading partner in 2014.
