EU ABC – First Business Council to Meet President Jokowi

Forward looking discussion on deepening EU-Indonesia Ties

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JAKARTA,
INDONESIA - Media OutReach - 29 November
2019 – The EU-ABC, together with EuroCham Indonesia, was honoured to be
the first foreign business council President Joko Widodo met since kicking off
his second term as President of Indonesia. This meeting was part of the
Council’s annual business mission trip to Indonesia, bringing more than 35 European Companies for meetings with the Indonesian
Government and leading politicians. 

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, forthright
discussion. EU-ABC made it clear that we recognise the need for inclusive growth
in Indonesia and expressed the desire of our members to play a leading role in
the country.  Indonesia faces many
challenges. Ensuring equitable, inclusive and suitable economic development,
and avoiding the middle-income trap is key. Now, more than ever, European
business can be at the forefront in advancing the President’s development
goals.”

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 in order to resolve the
misconceptions on both sides. The EU has not banned palm oil. However, there
are understandable concerns in Southeast Asia about the EU’s position, which
needs to be discussed and fully understood. 
Equally, 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 was honoured to have met (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