Indonesia Aiming to Intensify Economic Diplomacy with African Countries : Minister

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi extends an invitation to South African President Jacob Zuma to attend a summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Jakarta,11 Jumadil Awwal 1438/08 February 2017 (MINA) – Indonesia is targeting strengthening diplomacy with African countries in 2017, particularly for improving economic ties, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated at a bilateral meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma in Cape Town, Monday evening.

“Africa is a region having huge potential, hence it is important for Indonesia to continue improving and expanding cooperation with countries in the continent, especially with South Africa,” Antara quoted Retno as saying in a statement received by ANTARA, Wednesday.

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To this end, President Zuma expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for giving priority to his country to strengthen economic diplomacy.

He pointed out that the slow pace of the global economy requires South African and Indonesian governments to precisely select the areas of cooperation that have development potential.

Moreover, President Zuma also emphasized the need for both governments to encourage businessmen and entrepreneurs of both nations to optimally take advantage of the available opportunities.

2017-2021 action plan

With regard to improving economic ties between both nations, he was pleased to hear that the Indonesian foreign minister and her South African counterpart will immediately finalize the 2017-2021 action plan related to the areas of economic cooperation, which will be intensified.

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The value of trade between Indonesia and South Africa during the Jan-Oct 2016 period reached US$860 million, with Indonesias main export commodities comprising vehicles, rubber, footwear, tires, and paper, among others.

In 2016, South Africas investment in Indonesia amounted to $981.5 thousand. The total value of South Africas investment in Indonesia during the 2011-2016 period reached $2.75 million, mainly in the tourism sector.

As many as 25,048 South African tourists visited Indonesia in 2015.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi promoted Indonesia’s economic potentials to South African businessmen during her working visit to Cape Town on Feb 6-7.

The minister highlighted Indonesias economic potentials while addressing a meeting of the Indonesia-South Africa Business Forum.

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During her courtesy visit to South Africa, Minister Marsudi also conveyed an invitation to President Zuma to attend the high-level meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to be held in Jakarta on March 7. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)