The High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024 and the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali are considered to be strategic events for Indonesian business players to expand cooperation with African countries.

‘The HLF MSP and IAF 2024 meetings have strategic value in encouraging increased trade between Indonesia and African countries. The Indonesian government is expected to open more opportunities and encourage Indonesian entrepreneurs, including MSMEs, to engage directly in trade with African entrepreneurs. This forum should be an entry point for Indonesian businesses to establish strategic cooperation with African countries,’ said Chair of the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Diana Dewi, Monday (2/9/2024).

Diana Dewi positively welcomed the delegates' meeting held in Bali. According to her, international trust in Indonesia as the host of the HLF MSP and IAF 2024 reflects global confidence in the Indonesian economy. ‘As entrepreneurs, we welcome the meeting and hope it can produce important points to encourage sustainable development and business,’ said Diana.

In her statement, Diana emphasised the importance of collaborative strategies in improving economic prosperity and sustainability through the integration of the environment in economic development. She also highlighted the need for innovative financing solutions as the key to effectively achieving sustainable development goals.

Diana revealed that Indonesia currently has diplomatic relations with 54 countries in Africa. By 2022, Indonesia's bilateral trade value with African countries will reach USD17.4 billion, with exports amounting to USD7.2 billion and imports worth USD10.2 billion. Diana hopes Indonesia can encourage an increase in the value of exports to Africa.

‘I hope the Indonesian government will pay more attention and encourage closer cooperation with African countries. Market opportunities are wide open there, and as fellow developing countries with a long history, Indonesia and Africa must form a more tangible business ecosystem and partnership to achieve economic growth targets,’ said Diana Dewi.

About IAF 2024 and HLF-MSP 2024

The 2nd IAF taking place on 1-3 September 2024 in Bali is an important forum that brings together Indonesia and African countries to strengthen bilateral relations. With the theme ‘Bandung Spirit for Africa's Agenda 2063’, the forum invited representatives from 54 African countries with the aim of optimising the potential of business transactions between the two regions.

To achieve this goal, IAF 2024 will also host a business exhibition on 2-3 September 2024. A record 103 companies and 139 business people from Africa and around 350 business people from Indonesia will participate. The exhibition will feature four leading sectors: energy, food and consumer goods, strategic industry and defence, and health.

Meanwhile, the 2024 HLF-MSP serves as an important platform to respond to various global crises that widen the development gap between countries in the South and North, and slow down the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum was attended by 1,275 participants from 26 countries and is expected to catalyse systemic change through inclusive partnerships.