The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an Interactive Business Session with the Delegation from The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in India on 9th April 2021, Friday at the Chamber. 

The Delegation was led by His Excellency Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay, The Chargé d'affaires for The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in India; Ms. Annie Yulianti, First Secretary (Economic), Delhi and Mr. Bona Kusuma, Trade Attache, The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, New Delhi. Mr. Mahesh Saharia, Honorary Consul, Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Kolkata also graced the Session. 

Senior Members and Stakeholders of the Chamber from various sectors-agriculture, energy, health, mining, textiles participated in the Session. (MC Members present) were present among others. 

His Excellency Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay shared his objectives of visiting Kolkata. As stated by him, Indonesia has strong bilateral relationship with India. Indonesia has emerged as the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN. In 2018, the visit by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to Jakarta marked the pinnacle of collaboration between the countries. India and Indonesia have elevated their bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. His Excellency emphasized that there is further room to strengthen the trade relationship between India and Indonesia. Trade relations with Indonesia have been driven largely due to its surplus endowment of natural resources. At present, India has $20 billion total trade of Indonesia with $10 billion of Trade Surplus in coal and palm. His Excellency stated that India and Indonesia have agreed to join the Trade Agreement after India pulling out from RCEP. Due to the pandemic, the process has been slowed down however, the preparations are in progress. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in India would like to go extra miles to support the relationship between the two countries. Indonesia would like to diversify the business portfolios. In diversifying trade on the Indonesian side, a number of products have been given access to India- red meat, pharmaceuticals, dairy, rice, sugar etc. Energy Security is very important in Indonesia. Working Groups of various sectors would facilitate progress of trade. His Excellency mentioned about Indonesia’s focus on increasing business with India not only by increasing the exports but also the imports by the way of channelizing its deficits with some other countries. The Session accentuated the importance of connectivity between the two countries. In terms of connectivity, more emphasis is being given to air connectivity. The number of flights from India to Indonesia and vice-versa needs to be increased. His Excellency is already in discussions with Port and Airport Authorities to increase the connectivity between India and Indonesia. 

Mr. Mahesh Saharia stated that in ASEAN, Indonesia has 1/3rd weightage in GDP and population. In 15 years, the trade of Indonesia has grown to $20 billion. India realizes the potential with Indonesia in bilateral agreement. Mr Saharia also mentioned that more progress has to be achieved in terms of air connectivity and maritime connectivity between India and Indonesia. 

The Session was followed by the vibrant interactions with the members and stakeholders of the Chamber. The Chamber shall collate the inputs/queries of the members and shall share the same with the Embassy to seek their guidance based on various sectors which have opportunities of bilateral business between India and Indonesia. Director General proposed alliance of Chambers to facilitate more bilateral business.