Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is warmly welcoming African business, economic, and political leaders to participate in two significant events in its stunning cities of Bali and BSD – Bumi Serpong Damai, which are part of Greater Jakarta.
The first event is the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum, scheduled for September 1-3, 2024, in the renowned tourist destination of Bali, often recognized as one of the top travel spots in the world. The theme for this forum is “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” which will address topics such as economic transformation, energy and mining, food security, health security, and development cooperation.
In an exclusive interview with The Point, Alieu Secka, the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Banjul, shared that Indonesia is gearing up for these two important events. He expressed his hope that many Gambians will take advantage of this chance to visit the world’s third-largest country, which boasts the 16th-largest economy globally. Honorary Consul Secka, who previously served as CEO of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry and President of the Gambia Hotel Association, is an engaged entrepreneur and advisor for transformation.
African heads of state, leaders from international organizations, business representatives, and numerous participants from diverse economic, social, academic, and development sectors are set to attend the Indonesia-Africa business forum, as stated by Consul Secka. The forum will include meetings of heads of state, panel discussions, exhibitions, business matchmaking, and various side events.
Furthermore, the inaugural Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum will take place. Participants can expect a high-level plenary session, parallel sessions, a gala dinner, and cultural performances. Recently, Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Pahala Nugraha Mansury highlighted the significance and spirit of the Asian-African Conference (KAA) in tackling global issues such as conflict, economic downturn, and climate change. He affirmed that this spirit influences Indonesia’s relationship with Africa, focusing on achieving the objectives of both the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
There exists substantial potential for collaboration between African nations and Indonesia, with a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion and a market population of 1.7 billion. Consul Secka also mentioned the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), scheduled for October 9 to 12 this year at BSD City. He noted that Indonesia, with a population of 279.5 million, has seen considerable economic growth, emerging as the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest globally, with an annual GDP of approximately USD 1.32 trillion. With effective economic policies, Indonesia is witnessing positive export growth across various products and services in the international market.
The TEI presents an excellent opportunity for buyers, sellers, and investors to connect directly with Indonesian exporters. “TEI is an international B2B-focused trade show aimed at promoting growth and is arguably the largest trade show in the region,” Consul Secka remarked. “Last year, in 2023, the event attracted over 33,000 buyers and visitors from 114 countries, generating total transactions of USD 25.3 billion.”
This year’s 39th edition of Trade Expo Indonesia carries the theme “Build Strong Connection with The Best of Indonesia.” It is anticipated that Gambian businesses, which have expressed interest in opportunities with Indonesia, will seize this chance to establish robust and lasting connections with Indonesian exporters, manufacturers, and the broader business community. TEI also seeks to enhance business networks and investments between nations by offering guidance and support on international business practices.
The event will host a variety of parallel activities, including international seminars, business matching, and business counselling. During their time in Indonesia, Consul Secka encouraged Gambians to explore some of the country’s 17,504 islands and its extensive coastline, which is the second longest in the world.
