Indonesia-Africa forum opens in Bali hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: Internet)
 
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian government hosted the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali from April 10-11 in a commitment to strengthening partnership with African countries. 

The event attracted 500 representatives from 46 African countries and international organisations.

Indonesia’s Antara news agency quoted Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla as saying in his opening speech that if Indonesia and Africa successfully promote cooperation, Indonesia can show the world that cooperation among developing nations can be realised.

He added that the prospect of collaboration between Indonesia and Africa will be very bright with a workforce of more than 400 million in both sides.

IAF is being held in line with President Joko Widodo’s directive to ensure that Indonesia can penetrate non-traditional markets, especially Africa.

Statistics showed that trade between Africa and Indonesia hit 8.84 billion USD in 2017, up 15.25 percent annually. Indonesia needs crude oil, cotton, and cocoa beans from Africa, which has demand for palm oil, motorised vehicles and instant noodles.

On the opening day of the event, Indonesia recorded business deals worth 586.56 million USD with several African countries, mostly in banking, export-import, trade and aviation.-VNA
VNA