EIA: a new initiative in relations with Europe

EIA: a new initiative in relations with Europe

The European-Indonesian Association (EIA) comprises chambers of commerce and business associations of the European Union (EU) member states in Indonesia. It was inaugurated on April 5 1999 in Jakarta by the Rt. Hon. Sir Leon Brittan, Vice President of the European Commission, and the Indonesian Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan.

In his address at EIA's launch, Brittan expressed the hope that the EIA will further strengthen relations between Indonesia and the EU. EIA is chaired by Luigi Carlo Gastel of the Italian Business Association in Indonesia. The vice chairmen are John Arnold of the Indonesian-British Business Association, and Dr. Fritz Kleinsteuber of the German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

One of its objectives is the promotion and development of economic, commercial and business relations between Indonesia and the European Union. Other EIA objectives include establishing and operating a European Business Information Center (EBIC) in Jakarta and cooperation with other organizations.

The EIA also aims to promote economic, commercial and business relations between Indonesia and the European Union and its member states; and to undertake any other activities incidental to the above objectives, e.g. queries in regard to market access questions etc. The EIA will also act as a steering board for EBIC, while EBIC will play the role of a secretariat for the EIA.