VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said he appreciated the implementation of Indonesia Africa Forum 2018 held in Nusa Dua, Bali. According to him this forum is a meeting between developing countries like Indonesia and African countries in an effort to improve the economy.

He also welcomed the proposal to organize a similar forum in 2019 that brings Indonesia to all countries in the African continent as a concrete manifestation of the spirit of the Asian-African Conference that can improve the welfare of the community on both sides.

"I think this meeting is extraordinarily good. It is amazing that the spirit of the Asian-African Conference is starting to be realized in the form of concrete welfare. We are developing countries with African countries, what is the form? We have common interest. Therefore, I think it is a good idea to hold similar event like this ​​next year. And we are fellow developing country even though we are G20 and above 1.1 trillion of our GDP, I think we still need this and that is solidarity, that is the form of Asia Africa Conference, which was also initiated by Indonesia at that time in 1955. To be honest to you this makes money, brings prosperity to the people of Indonesia and people of African countries, "said Luhut.

Until the first day of the Indonesia Africa Forum 2018, more than 10 trade agreements and memoranda of understanding between Indonesia and the African countries have been signed. The total trade agreement amounts to more than 500 million US dollars and will increase as the relationship of both parties increases.

The 2018 Indonesia Africa Forum that is held for two days has brought together policymakers, businesses, small and medium enterprises and State-Owned Enterprises.

The forum addresses strategic topics at the policymaker level, including economic diplomacy, infrastructure development, financial facility initiatives, digital transformation and strategic industry cooperation. The forum also hosts business forums addressing important content such as connectivity, digital economy, agriculture, small and medium enterprises, South-south cooperation and development efforts. (VOI / Andy / AHM)