Indonesia and European Union (EU) commit to enhance trade and investment ties by conducting active dialogues to find business opportunities, official said here recently.
Chairman of Indonesian-French Chamber of Commerce Alain Pierre Mignon told a business dialogue gathering that Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea and India have emerged to be big competitors of Europe.
"We have to find out why they perform better than us? Is that because we often complain and do less in addressing problems? Are we arrogant? Surely we have to evaluate and learn more," said Mignon.
He said that dialogue in a summit called 'European Union- Indonesia Business Dialog (EIBD)' on Nov. 28-30 between Indonesia and the EU is one of efforts in finding solution.
"I think, communication is one of keys for us to achieve success," said Mignon.
Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said that the dialogue will help the Indonesian government. "The aim of the summit is to identify opportunities and strategic cooperation covering joint production, joint market development in Indonesia and in EU and realization of new projects in Indonesia," said Mari.
Julian Wilson, EU Ambassador for Indonesia told a press conference that the dialogue is very important to find business potentials.
"One thing for sure is that potential and massive trade opportunities are there," said Wilson.
Wilson said that trade and investment ties between both sides are very beneficial for bilateral economy.
"For example, about 1.3 million jobs are provided by European companies operating in Indonesia," he said.
Mignon said that sharing knowledge and helping each other will bring success.
"We want to help Indonesia to go further to the EU market. We also want to bring new model of solution by providing advanced technology," he said.
Mignon also said that even though Indonesia has great potentials, the country must improve its image.
"Without improving image, it is hard to "sell" Indonesia," said Mignon.
Chris Kanter, vice chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) for Transportation and Investment, said that six chambers of commerce in Europe and Indonesia have organized and prepared nine working groups covering selected sectors and four cross-sectoral themes.
They are sectors of medicine and pharmacy; textile, garment and footwear; infrastructure; automotive and machinery; food and beverage as well as cross-sectorals of infrastructure and services; law and regulation; urgent issues for growth; and trade facility.
The summit will be attended by chief executive officers from Indonesian companies who will meet and partner with high representatives from Europe.
"The summit will be a unique opportunity to evaluate market potentials and to make direct contact with industry leaders and government officials of both sides," said Mignon.
Kanter said that 200 participants will join the dialogue and 50 percent will come from Europe.
EIBD is an annual core forum of business leaders and government representatives working consistently on emerging opportunities in trade and investment between Europe and Indonesia.