Despite rising pressure from price inflation, particularly after the fuel price hikes in May, the Electronics Marketer Club's (EMC) monthly report shows that electronics sales increased in July. In July, electronic retailers and distributors were able to generate Rp 1.86 trillion (US$202.7 million) in sales value, or an increase of five percent compared to a month earlier and 44.7 percent compared to a year earlier.

A conducive investment climate is desired by all economies looking for an inflow of foreign capital. However, such an environment is not only in the interest of foreign investors but also for domestic investors as their financial outlay is no less sizable. Unfortunately, the government seems to believe those who need a positive business environment are, first and foremost, foreign investors.

Aditya Suharmoko, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government aims to fully implement this year the so-called Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) system, which is aimed at streamlining export and import flow and preventing smuggling. However, the system may not be effective unless it is managed by a highly trained work force and is integrated with financial institutions.

The Australian government seeks to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Indonesia during its Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, visit to the country starting Wednesday. "I emphasize Australia's interest in access to the Indonesian market and our interest in collaboration on capacity-building initiatives across the quarantine, agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors," he said in a press release on Tuesday.

american's don't do much business here, either

Bin Laden Group ... Bet they don't do much business in America

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has set up a parent holding company for five state fertilizer makers -- PT Pusri, PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, PT Pupuk Kujang, PT Petro Kimia Gresik and PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda. "The parent holding company called PT Agro Kimia Indonesia will officially be operational next week pending the general meetings of the state fertilizer companies` shareholders," Secretary of the State Enterprises Minister Said Didu said on Monday.

Kendari, South-East Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - A foodstuff consortium from Middle-East countries planning to investment some Rp14 trillion through Bin Laden Group in South-East Sulawesi province, a senior adviser said here on Monday. Prof. Dr. La Ode Masihu Kamaluddin, chief adviser for Sultra governor for investment and trade said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of this cooperation has been signed by the Sulra government and Bin Laden Group in Jakarta last Thursday (Aug 14).