Indonesia set on raising its ties with Africa at IAID 2019

JAKARTA, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Indonesia will organise the “Indonesia-Africa Infrastructure Dialogue” (IAID) from Aug 20 to 21 this year at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

A total of 700 delegates from Indonesia and African countries are expected to participate in the two-day event, a statement in the IAID portal said.

The Dialogue will highlight the progress of cooperation and business deals signed at the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) April 2018 and the signing of business deals in infrastructure cooperation and other strategic industries between Indonesia and African countries.

According to the statement, the dialogue is aimed at starting off more such future dialogues while generating further cooperation in the related sectors.

During the two days, panel discussions will be held featuring prominent Indonesian, African and international policy makers as well as business people on issues related to infrastructure development.

The IAID serves as a platform for business communities, government officials and other stakeholders from Indonesia and Africa to exchange ideas, explore possibilities of collaboration and further engage in cooperation in the sector of infrastructure and related sectors.

In April 2018 , the Indonesian government hosted the first IAF in Bali and the forum resulted in business deals totalling more than US$1 billion.

Since President Joko Widodo took office in 2014, Indonesia’s Africa policy has prioritised economic engagement and cooperation with the region.

According to Indonesia Trade Ministry, in 2017 the country’s total exports to African countries stood at US$4.86 billion, a marked increase from US$4.16 billion in 2016.

With the positive trend continuing, the country is ready to take further steps to enhance economic ties with Africa.

Indonesia’s main exports to the continent include palm oil, garments, processed foods and beverages.

From Africa, imports are mainly crude oil, cocoa beans, cotton, and chemicals for fertilizers and industries.

"Indonesia wants to be part of developments in Africa and Indonesia also wants Africa to be part of developments in Indonesia,” Indonesia's Foreign Minister,  Retno Marsudi had said during the 2018 IAF.

-- BERNAMA