RI, S. Africa business forum

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and South Africa plan to establish a business forum to encourage bilateral trade, investment and tourism, Antara reported on Wednesday.

Haryono Eddyarto, head of the committee for South Africa at the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said both countries were enthusiastic and had agreed to speed up the preparation for initial operation early next year.

South African Ambassador B.S. Kubheka said that such a forum was needed to promote bilateral trade and investment.

Head of Kadin's foreign relations Imam Taufik shared the opinion, saying the planned forum would also serve as a communication channel to disseminate business information.

He added that the forum could help develop South Africa as a beachhead for Indonesian exports to the rest of Africa and Latin America.

According to the news agency, Indonesia-South Africa bilateral trade last year totaled US$300 million, of which $157 million consisted of Indonesian exports mainly consisting of furniture, paper, textiles and textile-related products.

Indonesian imports from South Africa comprised mainly minerals, heavy equipment and car spare parts. (06)