The Territory Labor Government has welcomed a signingof the Indonesia Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IA-CEPA) betweenAustralia and Indonesia.
The agreement creates an opportunityfor closer economic engagement and will open new markets and opportunities forbusinesses, primary producers, service providers and investors.
The agreement provides greater certainty of marketaccess for Territory goods and reduces tariffs.
Indonesia is a priority market for the Territory andis the Territorys fifth largest trading partner and third largest exportdestination.
Two industry sectorsto receive the greatest benefit through this partnership are agriculture andinternational education. Both are growth sectors identified by the TerritoryLabor Government as creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Indonesia is the Territorys largest live cattleexport market. 324,856 head of cattle came through the Port of Darwin to theend of December 2018, up by 79,312 head (32%) for the same period in 2017.
Education is Australia's key services export toIndonesia, valued at $802 million with more than 15,000 Indonesians currentlystudying in Australia. Approximately five percent of international studentsstudying in the Territory are from Indonesia.
Quotes Attributable to the Chief Minister:
The Territory Labor Governments number one priorityis jobs for Territorians.
Strengthening relationshipsand business ties with Indonesia, one of our largest trading partners, isessential to improving access for Territory businesses to the vast markets toour north. Maximising opportunities for Territory businesses to establish andgrow trade and attract investment to the Territory is paramount.
Wehave a long standing and strong relationship with Indonesia and we continue toinvest in our relationship by engaging Mr Bill Farmer AO, previous Ambassadorto Indonesia, and Dr John Ackerman, to provide strategic advice and on theground representation in Indonesia.
Today, Indonesia and Australia are increasinglyimportant strategic anchors in the Indo-Pacific region, as recognised by theIndonesiaAustralia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Territory looks forward to welcoming Indonesianathletes at the Arafura Games. In April this year, Darwin will proudly host theConference of Australian Indonesian Youth (CAUSINDY) coinciding with theArafura Games.
In 2017 I lead a delegation to Indonesia, and havesupported Assistant Minister Kate Wordens visit last year, where she met withthe Indonesian Minister for Trade. Our discussions included the IA-CEPA and thespecial trade and cultural relationship with the Territory.
