JAKARTA, Sep. 27, 2013 (ANTARA/Medianet International -AsiaNet) --
The Deputy Premier of Australia's leading State – New South Wales (NSW) – Mr Andrew Stoner arrives in Jakarta on Sunday (29 September) as part of his trade and investment mission to South East Asia.
Mr Stoner, who is also NSW Minister for Trade and Investment, is the first NSW Government leader of the current administration to visit Indonesia, which is a priority market for the State. He will meet with senior government and business leaders in Jakarta.
"While NSW enjoys a good relationship with Indonesia, I want to build and strengthen our State’s ties with one of our most important neighbours," Mr Stoner said.
"My message on this visit is that NSW is open for business and ready for business with Indonesia.
"My mission will complement the visit to the region by new Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and will focus on promoting the strengths of our State's agribusiness sector.
"NSW is well known for its 'clean and green' agricultural sector. Our State has the most diverse agriculture and food production of any State in Australia. We produce some of the world's finest food, wool and grain and we have an excellent biosecurity status.
"In Jakarta, I will meet with Indonesian government leaders including the Vice Minister of Trade, Dr Bayu Krisnamurthi.
"I will also be meeting business leaders to help identify potential new opportunities for trade and investment between Indonesia and NSW."
Mr Stoner said that Indonesia was identified as a priority market in the NSW International Engagement Strategy released earlier this year.
"The NSW Government is committed to building and maintaining close economic and cultural ties with our key international partners including Indonesia so both our economies can enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship.
"Bilateral merchandise trade between Indonesia and NSW was valued at A$1.8 billion in 2012-13 and I believe there are further opportunities for growth."
Media: Office of the Deputy Premier +61 2 9228 5209
SOURCE: Deputy Premier of Australia’s leading State of New South Wales (NSW)
Editor: PR Wire
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