VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian state-owned bank, BNI inaugurated a new BNI Seoul office and the establishment of the Korea Desk in Seoul, South Korea on April 16. Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi and General Manager of the BNI Seoul Branch Office, Anisfu symbolically inaugurated the BNI New Office. Deputy President Director of BNI, Adi Sulistyowati and Director of Treasury and several other BNI directors from Jakarta were virtually present.

On this occasion, Ambassador Umar Hadi said that his side always adheres to the principle of Indonesia Incorporated, namely all elements, namely the Government, State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and the private sector, move in one unified step. The presence of this new office and the Korea Desk will make the Overseas Branch Office (KCLN) a trade & investment center, and strengthen the support for Indonesian Micro-small and medium enterprises' efforts to penetrate the global market.

Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Tohir also gave a speech at the inauguration. He said that the presence of BNI in Seoul has a deeper meaning than just its economic role. The existence of BNI in Seoul proves that the cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea is close and they have established diplomatic relations for 48 years. The close relationship and bilateral cooperation open opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.

The inauguration of this office was also attended by several South Korean companies that have collaborated with BNI, including Lotte Mart, Samsung and LG. Currently, the cooperation that has been running from the consumer business side includes credit card co-branding products, support programs at product launching and also advisory services.

The close relationship between South Korea and Indonesia is strongly driven by investment and trade activities of both countries. South Korea is Indonesia's fifth largest trading partner with a trade volume of more than US$13,335 million. The presence of BNI in Seoul aims to seize these opportunities.