Indonesia trade event attracts 70 firms

Sudirman Haseng, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, speaks during the business forum held yesterday. KT/Siv Channa

More than 70 representatives from Indonesian and Cambodian companies attended a business forum in Phnom Penh yesterday to explore business opportunities and seek new partnerships in the Kingdom.

It was the second such forum hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The first one was held in March.

The forum was attended by representatives from several companies from Jepara Regency, in the northeast of the Indonesian province of Central Java. These companies operate in tourism, batik, furniture, beauty, fashion, and building materials, among other sectors.

Sudirman Haseng, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, said the goal of the event was to create a platform for Indonesian and Cambodian entrepreneurs to meet, create more business opportunities, and foster trade cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Haseng said Indonesians admire the economic growth that Cambodia has experienced in the last 20 years.

He pointed out that two-way trade between the countries reached $558 million in 2018. From January to July this year, it had already reached $352 million, an 11 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

“I hope this positive trend will continue until the end of the year. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh promotes activities that bring benefits to both countries.

“Cambodia and Indonesia have an excellent relationship that we both need to maintain,” he added.

He noted that demand for Indonesian products in Cambodia is rising. “Indonesian products match the taste of Cambodian people. We hope that trade and opportunities between the two countries will continue to grow,” Mr Haseng said.

an Yuvaroath, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Trade Promotion, stressed that the Cambodian government prioritises the improvement of the business climate and highlighted some of its most recent efforts to help businesses.

“We have established a one-stop service in the Council for the Development of Cambodia for foreigners and locals that want to invest here. Officials from ministries will handle their applications,” Mr Yuvaroath said.

He said the Ministry of Commerce has launched a platform to allow businesses to register online. Companies can now also obtain online certificates of origin and other forms needed for exports.

He said Kingdom is an attractive investment destination for Indonesian investors, particularly companies eyeing investments in electronics assembly, food processing, garments, and light manufacturing.

“I hope that the business forum will increase bilateral trade and the number of people travelling between the two countries,” Mr Yuvaroath said. “Cambodia and Indonesia have a long-lasting relationship.” Source from Khmertimes.