Jakarta (FN), Mar. 5 – As part of efforts to establish business interactions and networks in Indonesia, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh organized a business trip to Jakarta on 28 February to 3 March 2024 involving 23 young Cambodian entrepreneurs and government officials.
The delegation, which was led by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, met with high-level Indonesian officials as well as leaders of state-owned enterprises and private companies. The Cambodian entrepreneurs involved are part of the Cambodia Young Entrepreneurs Association for Development (CYEAD).
“Young entrepreneurs in Cambodia and Indonesia play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the future of our bilateral relations, especially in economic cooperation”, stated Ambassador Santo during a business matching event at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. He further highlighted that "there is so much untapped potential between our two countries, which can only be realized through innovation, perseverance, and visionary thinking. Our bilateral economic cooperation must be sustainable and long-term.”
The business matching event at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade of Indonesia was attended by Indonesian companies specializing in agricultural commodities, household equipment, and food and beverage. Arief Wibisono, the Ministry’s Director of Market Development and Export Information, expressed hope that the visit would open up more opportunities for Indonesian products to the Cambodian market.
Meanwhile, during a visit to the Indonesian Ministry of Investment, the Ministry’s Deputy of Promotion, Nurul Ichwan, shared valuable insights on Indonesia’s strategy to attract more investment, both from domestic as well as foreign sources. He highlighted that “seeing is believing”, and that Cambodian companies can work together with Indonesian businesses for the benefit of both countries’ economies as well as contribute towards regional prosperity.
Considering the background of many of the Cambodian entrepreneurs joining the delegation, special focus was given to opportunities in the construction, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. In addition to meeting state-owned and private companies in these sectors, the delegation also had a chance to visit Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City, acquiring firsthand insights on the development of a smart city in Indonesia.
The delegation also had meetings with representatives of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Indonesia. On one occasion, CYEAD and JCI Indonesia signed an MoU to establish a framework for empowering young entrepreneurs from both nations.
This year, Indonesia and Cambodia celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Indonesia is Cambodia’s No.6 trading partner, yet Cambodia remains unknown to many Indonesian businesses. The Embassy is keen to further the progress of these economic connections through concrete cooperation activities such as last week’s trip to Jakarta.
In September, and as part of celebrating 65 Years of Indonesia-Cambodia Relations, the Embassy will organize a large-scale solo exhibition in Phnom Penh, promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and education.
=FRESH NEWS
