The first event is the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum, set to take place from September 1-3, 2024, in the tourist haven of Bali, which is frequently rated as one of the best travel destinations globally. The theme is “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063”, focusing on issues related to economic transformation, energy and mining, food, health security, and development cooperation.
In an exclusive interview granted The Point, the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Banjul, Alieu Secka, announced that Indonesia is preparing for two major events. He hopes many Gambians will seize the opportunity to participate and visit the world’s third-largest country with the 16th largest economy in the world.
Honorary Consul Secka, a former CEO of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry and President of the Gambia Hotel Association, is an active entrepreneur and transformation adviser.
African heads of state, leaders of international organisations, businesses, and hundreds of participants from various economic, social, academic, and development sectors will attend the Indonesia-Africa business forum, Consul Secka said, adding: “The forum will feature meetings of heads of state, panel discussions, exhibitions, business matching, and several side events. Additionally, the first Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum will be organised. Attendees can look forward to a high-level plenary session, parallel sessions, a gala dinner, and cultural performances.”
Recently, Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Pahala Nugraha Mansury emphasised the importance and spirit of the Asian-African Conference (KAA) in addressing global challenges such as conflict, economic decline, and climate change. That spirit, he noted, guides Indonesia’s relationship with Africa, working together to achieve the visions of both the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
African countries and Indonesia have tremendous potential for cooperation, with a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion and a market population of 1.7 billion.
According to Consul Secka, the second event is the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), which will be held from 9 to 12 October this year at BSD City. “With a population of 279.5 million, the Indonesian economy has grown significantly, becoming the largest in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest in the world, with an annual gross domestic product (GDP) valued at approximately USD 1.32 trillion,” the Consul said.
With sound economic policies in place, Indonesia continues to experience positive export growth across various products and services in the global market. Thus, TEI will be an excellent opportunity for buyers, sellers, and investors to engage directly with Indonesian providers of export products and services.
“TEI is an international B2B-focused trade show designed to foster growth and is arguably the biggest trade show in the region,” Consul Secka said. “Last year, in 2023, the show was attended by more than 33,000 buyers and visitors from 114 countries, with total transactions amounting to USD 25.3 billion.”
The theme for the 39th Edition of Trade Expo Indonesia this year is “Build Strong Connection with The Best of Indonesia.” It is hoped that Gambian businesses, which have been inquiring about opportunities with Indonesia, will take this chance to build strong and lasting connections with Indonesian local export-quality products, manufacturers, and the business market.
TEI also aims to develop business networks and investments between countries by providing guidance and assistance on how to do business. The event will feature a series of parallel activities, including international seminars, business matching, and business counseling.
While in Indonesia, Consul Secka said entreatingly, Gambians are encouraged to visit some of the country’s 17,504 islands and the second-longest coastline in the world.
