Australia's Keating to open business forum here

JAKARTA (JP): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, accompanied by 10 federal ministers and a number of state ministers, will visit here next month to open a business forum aimed at promoting bilateral trade.

Australian Embassy Spokesman Paul Milne told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the prime minister, who will arrive on June 27, will open the four-day forum on June 29.

Milne said about 200 senior Australian business people will take part in the forum, which will be part of Australia Today Indonesia '94, a promotional event sponsored by Australia.

The event, from June 14 to July 3, will include cultural performances and a science and technology exhibition in addition to trade promotion.

Australian Ambassador Allan Taylor said in Bali last week that Australia Today Indonesia '94 indicates the success of both countries' efforts to broaden and deepen the relationship.

He said that two-way trade between Indonesia and Australia tripled over five years to nearly A$3 billion last year.

Australian investment in Indonesia has now reached $1.6 billion and its development aid $140 million.(02)