Forward looking discussion on deepening EU-Indonesia Ties

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach - 29 November 2019 - The EU-ABC, together with EuroCham Indonesia, was honoured to meet President Joko Widodo at the start of his second term as President of Indonesia. This meeting was part of the Council's annual business mission trip to Indonesia, bringing more than 30 European Companies for meetings with the Indonesian Government and local business.

EU-ABC delegation with President Jokowi and key economic ministers at Istana Merdeka

President Jokowi set out his priorities for his second term encouraging European businesses to play a greater role in the inclusive economic development of the country, particularly in areas linked to sustainability, human capital development and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Speaking after the meeting the EU-ABC Chairman, Donald Kanak, said: "It was a very productive and forthright discussion. EU-ABC made clear the strong commitment and optimism of European companies to expand trade and investment in Indonesia and play a constructive role in support of the President's objectives of human capital development, infrastructure and economic transformation, in sectors from manufacturing to logistics, energy to insurance and banking. Along with ASEAN businesses, our companies want to help create a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future."

Corine Tap, Chairwoman of EuroCham Indonesia said "We very much welcome this valuable opportunity to meet Indonesia's President and key ministers. EuroCham Indonesia stands ready to be a partner to the President and to his team as Indonesia embarks on a roadmap for economic transformation. Advancing EU-Indonesia relations, including the speedy conclusion of the EU Indonesia CEPA negotiations which will boost EU-Indonesia trade and promote more European investments in the country."

At the meeting, the President also encouraged European business to continue their engagement with Indonesia and to resolve the ongoing issues regarding Palm Oil to which Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ABC commented "We continue to encourage both the European Commission and the countries in ASEAN to have a constructive dialogue on this issue through the newly formed intergovernmental working in order to resolve misconceptions on both sides. The EU has not banned palm oil. The EU needs to recognise the significant advances the region has made on sustainability in palm oil production."

Meeting with the President was part of the EU-ABC business mission trip to Indonesia, where the delegation had fruitful discussions with President Jokowi's new cabinet. The Council's meetings on this mission include (1) Ministry of Agriculture; (2) Ministry of Communication and Informatics; (3) Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy; (4) BAPPENAS; (5) BKPM; (6) Ministry of Research and Technology; (7) Ministry of Finance; (8) Bank Indonesia; (9) Ministry of Health; (10) Ministry of Trade; (11) Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; (12) Ministry of Industry; (13) Ministry of Trade; (14) DG Customs and Excise; (15) Ministry of Transportation; and, (16) OJK