Emerson said Indonesia has a young and growing population, and its middle class is already larger than Australia`s total population.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia`s Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Senator Joe Ludwig are here on a two-day visit, aimed at broadening the trade and investment relationship with Indonesia.

"The delegation of representatives from the finance and agriculture industries will meet with Indonesian ministers and business leaders during the two-day visit," according to a press statement on the Australian embassy`s website on Wednesday.

Indonesia is already Australia`s third-largest agricultural export market, and both ministers see considerable scope for expanding and deepening the relationship.

"Indonesia is a big part of the Asian Century growth story, having expanded its economy by 6.5 percent in 2011," Dr Emerson said.

"It has a young and growing population, and its middle class is already larger than Australia`s total population."

"Australia is perfectly positioned to meet the country`s expanding demand for food as well as financial services and education," Dr Emerson said.

Minister Ludwig said market access, particularly for agricultural industries, would be the focus of discussion.

"The growing demand for Australian agricultural products in Indonesia presents a significant opportunity for our farmers," Minister Ludwig said.

Australia`s agricultural exports to Indonesia reached $2.8 billion in 2010-11, up 52 percent from 2005-06.

Dr Emerson and Minister Ludwig, who have been accompanied by a senior business delegation, will hold talks with Indonesian ministers during the visit.

These will focus on how business and government can work together to develop the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

Minister Ludwig will hold talks with his ministerial counterparts to further cooperation on agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Topics will include strengthening the trade relationship, combating illegal logging, the live animal export trade and market access for horticulture imports and meat products.

He will also deliver a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Jakarta, where he will highlight the extraordinary potential of the IA-CEPA.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012