The delegation has also met with the private sector, including the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) and the American Chamber of Commerce. On Sunday and Monday, the group was in Batam where they met with the Governor of Riau Islands Ismeth Abdullah and Ir. Mustofa Widjaja, Chairman of the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) and toured the J. Ray McDermott Southeast Asian fabrication facility and marine base.
Robert Haines, mission co-leader, said on Thursday, “This very large delegation is an indication that American companies are interested in investing here. Our positive attitude has been reinforced in particular by the Government's handling of the fuel subsidy, VAT and DMO reimbursements in the energy sector, anti-corruption initiatives, the Aceh Peace Process and the handling of tsunami relief efforts. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Indonesia on improving the investment climate”.
An additional focus in the delegation's meetings was public-private partnerships.
In these partnerships, US companies are supporting initiatives developed by the Government of Indonesia to address such common concerns as reconstruction in Aceh, and health nationwide. “We are working closely with our Indonesian colleagues and experts helping them to accomplish what they believe are needed,” said Leslie Mancuso of JHPiego.
Washington based The US-ASEAN Business Council is the trusted voice of the American private sector in the 10-country ASEAN market. With over two decades of building strategic alliances and working relationships with ASEAN regional organizations as well as with government and private sector leaders in each country, the Council has helped improve the business environment for American companies and expand the US competitive position in the region like no other organization.
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