Premier’s Foreword

International trade and investment is the lifeblood of the Western Australian economy. My Government prioritises the development of mutually beneficial, future-focused relationships with our key trading partners and important regional neighbours. As one of the most prospective economies in ASEAN, Indonesia has always been high on my agenda. Therefore, I am delighted to be leading the Invest and Trade Western Australia Indonesia Connect Roadshow 2023 this September. The Roadshow aims to unlock new trade and investment partnerships and strengthen government and industry connections with our nearest neighbour.

Indonesia is one of the most significant sources of economic, social, and cultural opportunity for Western Australia in the ASEAN region. The Indonesia Connect Roadshow 2023 provides a platform to promote Western Australia as a recognised and trusted partner, and for Western Australian businesses to engage in trade, investment, and cultural exchange with Indonesia.

Joining me on this important mission will be a delegation of Western Australian businesses across five key sectors aligned with the Western Australian Government’s Future State: Accelerating Diversify WA Strategy. The delegation will participate in activities designed to support new pathways to engage with Indonesia and build proactive business relationships that includes a focus on diversification.

Since Western Australia reopened its international border in March 2022, the Western Australian Government has prioritised re-engagement with Indonesia by undertaking four separate Ministerial and government missions into market. I am thrilled to be returning to Indonesia to showcase our State further, and foster our links through culture, community and commerce.

The Western Australian Government has an extensive history of engagement with Indonesia supported by the Western Australia East Java Sister-State Agreement, established in 1990. This agreement provides Western Australian businesses with a competitive edge when accessing opportunities in East Java, a province of 40 million people and the powerhouse of Indonesia’s economy.

The Western Australian Government has had a presence in Indonesia for more than 30 years, with the Invest and Trade Western Australia Jakarta Office being established in 1992. Invest and Trade Western Australia assists potential investors and trade partners to do business with our great State, whilst also providing support for local businesses to reach their export potential.

Western Australia has a highly skilled workforce, world-leading technological capability, an internationally recognised education and training sector, and reliable export infrastructure. From this base, we aim to partner with Indonesia to cement our position in critical global supply chains and facilitate mutual growth.

I look forward to leading the Invest and Trade Western Australia Indonesia Connect Roadshow 2023 to build upon and enrich our cultural, economic, and strategic links with Indonesia and the broader ASEAN community. I would like to thank all of the delegates for joining me, and I wish them every success in their international business pursuits.

Hon Roger Cook MLA

Premier, Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade