Over the last one year since IAF, we have achieved a lot of progresses. Relations among governments, among Indonesian and African businessmen have strengthened
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA) - The Indonesia-Africa Infrastructure Dialog (IAID) being organized in Nusa Dua, Bali Province, on Aug 20-21, 2019, has managed to post 11 business deals worth US$822 million or Rp11.7 trillion.

The business deal value showed that Indonesia's intention to be closer to Africa was not just political statement, but it was followed with concrete cooperation, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said here on Tuesday.

"This is indeed followed with concrete things, (and) participated in by one Indonesia incorporated unit comprising the government, ministries, BUMN (state enterprises), and private companies," Retno Marsudi said.

The majority of the business deals are infrastructure projects, such as construction of La Tour de Goree Tower worth US$250 million in Dakar, Senegal; a housing construction project worth US$200 million in Songon, Côte d'Ivoire; and a bulk liquid terminal construction project valued at US$190 million in Zanzibar (Tanzania).

The three projects are to be carried out by PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) with funding supported by Indonesia Eximbank.

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Other business deals include a pharmaceutical project worth US$1.5 million by Dexa Group (Indonesia) with Bahari Pharmacy (Tanzania); a clove leaf oil production project valued at US$2.5 million by PT Indesso Aroma (Indonesia) with Zanzibar State Trading Corporation; and a pharmaceutical project worth 2.5 million between Kimia Farma (Indonesia) and Topwide Pharmaceutical (Nigeria).

Indonesia has also agreed to hold negotiation on Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with several African countries such as Mozambique, Morocco, and Djibouti.

"Over the last one year since IAF, we have achieved a lot of progresses. Relations among governments, among Indonesian and African businessmen have strengthened," she said.

Themed "Connecting for Prosperity", the 2019 IAID is participated in by 700 people from 53 countries.

The first ever Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) held on April10-11, 2018 in Bali, Indonesia. has paved new avenues for economic cooperation.

IAF resulted in concrete economic cooperation amounting to USD586,56 million of business deals in sectors of strategic industries, infrastructure, financing, mining, textile, aircraft maintenance and trade in commodities.

Infrastructure was one of the most highlighted issues in the forum, as both Indonesia and Africa regards this sector as a high priority for future development.

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Translator: Yashinta DP, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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