During his opening remarks, Jokowi highlighted the importance of establishing cooperation in various fields, particularly in economic, social, and political areas, among countries in the regions.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially inaugurated the Asian-African Business Summit (AABS) 2015 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), as part of the 60th Commemoration of the Asian-African Conference (AAC) on Tuesday.

Jokowi arrived at the JCC accompanied by Head of the Presidential Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, and Minister/State Secretariat Pratikno.

During his opening remarks, Jokowi highlighted the importance of establishing cooperation in various fields, particularly in economic, social, and political areas, among countries in the regions.

The business forum is being attended by businessmen from some 109 Asian and African countries and is expected to open business and investment opportunities.

"It is time for businessmen to intensify economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The role of businessmen is very important in promoting the spirit of "Bandung Ten Principles" through the 60th Commemoration of the AAC being held in Jakarta and Bandung.

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Suryo Bambang Sulisto noted that the Asian-African partnership has entered an interesting phase as the economic growth in the two continents is forecast to improve.

The population of the Asian and African continents constitutes 75.3 percent of the worlds population, while their gross domestic product (GDP) is only 28.5 percent.

"The relatively small contribution of the GDP shows that there are many areas of economic potential that have not been exploited, particularly in most African countries," he noted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is the key speaker in the summits Plenary Session I. Other speakers include Ethiopian President Mulatu Thesome Wirtu, South African Foreign Affairs Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane representing South African President Jacob Zuma at the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sinzho Abe, and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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