- The first overseas mission with Premier Roger
Cook to Indonesia underway
- Mission made up of more than 130 WA business and
Government delegates
- Key focus on investment and trade outcomes across
energy transition, creative industries and the digital economy, international
education, primary industries and tourism.
Premier Roger Cook has undertaken an historic trade mission
to Indonesia his first mission as Western Australian Premier.
Dubbed a "mega mission" because of the unprecedented number
of delegates involved, it has kicked-off in the Indonesian capital Jakarta and
involves more than 130 key Government and business representatives, including
three members of the Cook Cabinet:
- David Templeman: Minister for Culture and the
Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education; Heritage
- Bill Johnston: Minister for Mines and Petroleum;
Energy; Hydrogen Industry; Industrial Relations
- Jackie Jarvis: Minister for Agriculture and Food;
Forestry; Small Business
The Indonesia Connect Roadshow provides a platform to
promote the State as a recognised and trusted partner, as well as a chance for WA
businesses to engage in trade, investment and cultural exchange.
The Roadshow starts in Jakarta with the ASEAN Business and
Investment Summit, which has been organised by the Indonesian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
Representing a key opportunity for delegates to raise the
profile of WA, the Summit will promote collaboration opportunities in the
energy sector. It will also include the Premier speaking on a panel where he
will discuss the State's important relationship with the ASEAN region.
The Jakarta leg of the mission will also include an Energy
Roundtable with KADIN, which will be held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Business
and Investment Summit.
This will focus on developing value-adding, resilient and
sustainable critical minerals and battery industry supply chains in both
regions.
The Roundtable follows a plan of action in relation to
critical minerals that was signed during Indonesian President Joko Widodo's
visit to Sydney in July.
Surabaya and Denpasar are also set to be visited by the
delegation during the week-long mission, with each location having a specific
focus.
Western Australia's relationship with Indonesia is a key
economic driver for the State:
- WA
exported $3.8 billion of goods to Indonesia in 2022, above the annual average
of $2.3 billion over the past 10 years;
- WA
accounted for a quarter of Australia's total trade in goods with Indonesia in
2022;
- WA
accounted for 30 per cent of Australia's goods exports to Indonesia in 2022;
- Indonesia
is a significant trading partner with WA, with $4.6 billion of goods traded in
2022, and
- The
State's petroleum exports to Indonesia rose 16 per cent to $1.2 billion in
2022.
The Roadshow received a staggering number of applications.
Those which were selected underwent a competitive expression of interest
process, and include delegates from small, medium and large businesses. Tailored
business to business meetings will be undertaken for all delegates.
Comments attributed
to Premier Roger Cook:
"This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with industry
players across Indonesia, one of our closest and most valued neighbours.
"This historic
trade mission to Indonesia - my first overseas mission as Premier - will play a
central role in Western Australia's future and specifically our plans to
diversify our economy.
"Indonesia is a
recognised and trusted partner and that is why it is vital we explore new ways
to deepen our relationship – one that delivers investment opportunities and
local jobs for Western Australians.
"The sheer scale of
this delegation demonstrates how seriously we take this relationship, which is
why three key members of my Cabinet will be joining me on this mission, to
represent as many Western Australian interests as possible.
"With a significant
number of applications, the demand to be part of this mission has been
overwhelming and demonstrates the importance of our economic relationship."
Media contacts: Mark
Scott – 0437 170 385
