Enhancing economic and trade links with the rapidly growing economy of Indonesia is the focus of a Western Australian Government mission to Bali and Surabaya.
Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley is in Indonesia to deliver on the actions of the McGowan Government's Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030 and identify opportunities related to the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
The agreement will allow 99 per cent of Australia's goods exports to enter Indonesia duty free or with significantly improved preferential arrangements.
The Government's comprehensive Asian Engagement Strategy, combined with IA-CEPA, means WA is well placed to benefit from Indonesia's growth that is forecast to see its economy become the world's fourth largest by 2030.
Minister Tinley has already presented an Indonesian language version of WA's Asian Engagement Strategy to business and consulate representatives in Bali and will deliver a keynote presentation at the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) conference this week.
Minister Tinley will use the IABC Conference keynote to demonstrate to Indonesian business and government leaders Western Australia's commitment to Asia.
He will also highlight the diversity of trade and investment opportunities on offer in WA, from agribusiness to energy and resources, as well as technological services such as civil and mining engineering.
Indonesia is WA's 10th biggest merchandise export market. Last year, WA exported $2.3 billion of merchandise to Indonesia - top exports being petroleum, wheat, iron ore, alumina and live animals.
WA had more than 31,000 visitors and more than 1,000 students from Indonesia in 2018. Indonesia is the most popular overseas destination for WA tourists, with 330,000 visiting Indonesia in 2017-18.
The Minister's itinerary includes meetings in Bali, Surabaya and East Java, which has been a Sister State to WA since 1990.
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
"Indonesia is one of WA's most important trading partners and our closest neighbour, making it crucial to the McGowan Government's plan to diversify the State's economy and create jobs.
"WA's commitment to Asia and Indonesia, combined with the IA-CEPA, offers WA businesses with significant opportunities for growth.
"Presenting WA's Asian Engagement Strategy in Indonesian was well-received and it is this type of attention to detail in our relationship that helps to further develop trust and respect - an essential element for growing trade."
Minister's office - 6552 5300
