Unleashing the Immense Potential of Women-Owned Businesses
5 November 2024
On 5 November, more than 200 Indonesian women entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gathered at the Go Big, Go Global Forum in Jakarta to share their experiences and insights into emerging opportunities in Indonesia’s advanced, value-added industries.
The forum, a joint initiative of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, KATALIS, and the Asian Development Bank, was an opportunity for entrepreneurs from women-led SMEs to build networks and gain knowledge of export financing, export credit insurance, and increasing market access, including to Australia.
“Women-led businesses are vital to the economies of both Australia and Indonesia, and to growing our close economic partnership. I am proud of the work we are doing with Indonesia to empower women entrepreneurs, including through the KATALIS program,” said Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Gita Kamath.
“Trade, beyond being an economic activity, builds bridges between cultures and people, and it is vital that more women are empowered to cross these bridges. We must work together to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs,” said Australian Business Champion for Indonesia, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO.
“It is hoped that this dialogue forum will empower women-led SMEs to go big and go global, unlocking new opportunities for growth and international collaboration while fostering innovation for sustainable growth,” said Dyah Roro Esti, Deputy Minister of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade.
“Our collaboration with KATALIS and the Asian Development Bank is providing practical and relevant guidance to empower women-led SMEs to play a pivotal role in Indonesia’s economic growth,” said Iskandar Panjaitan, Director of Export and Import Facilitation, Directorate General of Foreign Trade at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade.
According to KATALIS research, the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA 2020-2025) will boost Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product by AUD 28-46 million by 2038 and will boost Australia’s GDP by AUD 21 million. There are countless opportunities for Indonesian businesses, including those led by women, to thrive under this partnership, driving innovation, job creation and growth.
KATALIS was established by the Indonesian and Australian governments to provide support and expertise for Indonesian and Australian businesses in accordance with the IA-CEPA, particularly to drive closer trade and investment collaboration.
Media Inquiries: Public-Affairs-JAKT@dfat.gov.au
