RI, S. Africa business forum

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)