Brisbane (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Siswo Pramono believes 2023 will be the best year for Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations as reflected in total trade increasing 85 percent and Australian investment to Indonesia rising up to 170 percent.

During the opening of the Indonesia-Australia IndOz Conference business meeting on Thursday (Aug 24), Ambassador Pramono also stated that the increase in Australian investment to Indonesia occurred three years after the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IACEPA) entered into force.

Through a press release received by ANTARA, Tuesday, Ambassador Pramono also described the Indonesian and Australian economies as a portrait of complementary economies, as seen from the Indonesian steel industry and food industry that were supported by the imports of iron ore and wheat from Australia.

Hence, the Indonesia-Australia IndOz Conference business meeting, which was held again at the Brisbane City Hall, becomes a momentum that has the potential to increase collaboration in Indonesia-Australia relations.

"I hope that through the IndOz Conference, we can take advantage of this momentum and build the economic strength of Indonesia-Australia, or ASEAN-Australia," he affirmed.

The conference, which was attended by businessmen, academics, government officials, and young professionals from various sectors, took the theme of "Indonesia: Gateway to ASEAN's Sustainable Trade and Investment."

The topic of the Global Health Architecture at the 2023 IndOz is one of the main highlights discussing the urgency of equal access to health services and potential of digital technology in the development of health services.

They also deliberated on Sustainable Energy Transition, with the discussion covering successful collaboration models between research institutions and the industry to create an environmentally friendly future as well as success stories in the development of renewable energy and other interesting topics.

"We are very pleased with the enthusiasm for the 2023 IndOz Conference," Director of the 2023 IndOz Conference Ashleigh Mansfield remarked.

"The active participation of participants, speakers, sponsors, and partners truly reflects the interest and potential for collaboration in Indonesia-Australia relations. We can't wait to see this momentum continue," David Widjaja, as the conference advisor, stated.

The conference was attended by 320 participants supported by representatives of the Indonesian and Australian governments, such as Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner, Australian Minister of Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, Australian Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams, and Consul General of Indonesia in Sydney Vedi Kurnia Buana.

The IndOz Conference is an annual event to strengthen collaboration and innovation between Indonesia and Australia and is attended by leaders, industry experts, and professionals to explore crucial topics and drive change.

The conference is a catalyst for cross-border partnerships and socio-economic development. IndOz 2023, marking the 10th edition of the annual business conference, was held in Brisbane. The 2024 IndOz Conference is planned to be held in Bali, Indonesia.

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Translator: Nabila Anisya Charisty, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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