Kadin Forms Kadin GEO, Anindya Bakrie Targets New Trade Partners

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has formed a Kadin Global Engagement Office or Kadin GEO to strengthen foreign economic diplomacy. This institution is prepared so that the business world can make the most of trade and investment cooperation.

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Bakrie said Kadin had the opportunity to work with the ministers in President Prabowo Subianto's cabinet, including in the economic diplomacy agenda.

This was conveyed by Anindya after meeting Prabowo with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) throughout Indonesia at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Friday, July 31.

"In our language, Mr. President, looking for a partner to trade, to invest, and to industrialize," said Anindya.

Anindya said that the GEO Kadin serves as a project manager so that the results of the government's struggle in trade agreements can be maximized. He said that agreements such as FTAs and CEPA must be truly connected with regional Kadin and business associations.

An FTA is a free trade agreement. CEPA is a comprehensive economic cooperation that usually includes trade, investment, and other economic cooperation.

Anindya said Kadin also held a diplomacy agenda every Friday on the second week with ambassadors. Kadin traveled from ministry to ministry to ensure foreign relations were connected to the needs of business actors.

According to Anindya, this economic diplomacy effort is related to Indonesia's investment target. He said that of the Rp2,041 trillion investment target, half had been achieved in the first half.

He also said that the realization had generated nearly 1.5 million new jobs.

Anindya said Kadin was ready to work with the government and Danantara. According to him, Danantara can open opportunities for cooperation with various parties.

"Kadin is certainly very ready to work together with the Danantara institution," he said.