APINDO Calls on Indonesian Businesses to Expand Commercial Partnership with Australia
Post-pandemic recovery makes strategic timing to maximise Indonesia-Australia market access and integration
The export surplus Indonesia has enjoyed for the last two years, reaching peak figures in April 2022, indicated robust manufacturing industry recovery in the country. Diversity of export destinations beyond traditional markets such as China, the USA, European Union, Japan, and Thailand has also strengthened Indonesia’s competitiveness. Furthermore, as the 13th largest economy in the world and in close proximity to Indonesia, Australia is seen as a potential bigger trade and investment partner for Indonesia.
By tapping into quality reinforcement, product and brand diversification, and understanding of the trade regulations, Indonesia could boost its export to Australia. This was part of a discussion in a forum on “Understanding the Australian Business Environment” jointly hosted by the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) and the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) ECP Katalis in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022.
“Being a multisectoral employers association, APINDO supports the IA-CEPA as a comprehensive agreement that covers all relevant issues beyond trade and investment and exceeding standard features of any other FTAs. The IA-CEPA is expected to be a new platform towards an economic partnership reflecting both countries’ competitiveness,” said Eddy Hussy, APINDO’s General Secretary. “The implementation phase is at the corner. It is now time to optimise the benefits of the IA-CEPA.”
APINDO is urging Indonesian businesses to tap into the benefits provided by the IA-CEPA benefits through expertise and support of Katalis, an Indonesian and Australian government-backed business development program, which go beyond honing business strategies and better understanding of the regulatory environment.
“Katalis believes that greater market access, better integrated markets between Indonesia and Australia, and improved skills to drive recovery will lead to inclusive economic growth. We work by identifying and developing new market opportunities, as well as providing support for bilateral business partnerships in priority sectors, such as agriculture, green energy, digital economy, health, and skills to support post-pandemic economic recovery,” explained Paul Bartlett, Director of Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) ECP Katalis.
Among the support provided by Katalis are regulatory/policy analysis and advocacy, market research, supply chain analysis, feasibility study, entry market strategy, industrial training and capacity building, skills exchange, needs-driven course development, and many more.
