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Indonesia Strengthens Economic Ties with Canada: Airlangga Hartarto Urges Collaboration in Renewable Energy and Technology

  Editorial INTI     2 bulan yang lalu
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Jakarta, INTI - In his ongoing visit to Canada, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, took part in a significant Business Roundtable event in Vancouver, British Columbia. The event, hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC), brought together business leaders and educational institutions from British Columbia to discuss the potential for enhanced economic collaboration between Indonesia and Canada.

During his address at the Oceanic Plaza on Tuesday, September 3rd, Minister Airlangga underscored Indonesia's commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission by 2060. He emphasized the country’s dedication to renewable energy, noting that Indonesia is currently utilizing only 0.3% of its estimated 3,689 GW renewable energy potential.

“We have developed a National Hydrogen Strategy to integrate hydrogen into our energy transition efforts. Additionally, we are actively promoting electric vehicle production, accelerating semiconductor ecosystem development, and positioning Indonesia as a regional hub for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS),” Airlangga stated.

British Columbia has earned a reputation as a leader in innovation and clean technology, with a commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Landmark projects such as the Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) and companies like Ballard Power Systems and Carbon Engineering highlight the region’s proactive stance on advancing hydrogen and clean technologies.

Furthermore, British Columbia has become a hub for semiconductor development and artificial intelligence (AI) research. With robust support from the government, technology companies, and universities, prominent organizations such as D-Wave Systems and research centers like the CAIDA at the University of British Columbia are positioning the province as a national and global leader in these sectors.

Airlangga also outlined the various incentives that Indonesia is offering to attract investment. "Indonesia has designated 20 Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which will grow to 26 by 2024, offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, such as tax exemptions and simplified immigration permits. Moreover, the government is implementing Super Tax Deductions and Tax Allowances, providing up to a 300% tax reduction for research and development (R&D) and 200% for vocational training," he added.

The Business Roundtable, led by APFC President & CEO Jeff Nankivell, also discussed strategies to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. Canada launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022 to boost trade and investment in the region, focusing on diversifying markets to countries like India, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN members.

Canada is also investing USD 1.7 billion over the next five years to strengthen its economic presence in the Indo-Pacific, with key initiatives such as completing the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA), enhancing cybersecurity, and combating foreign interference to safeguard its national interests.

With its substantial role in ASEAN, representing more than 50% of the region's economy and population, Indonesia is seen as a crucial partner in advancing Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. “We are an archipelagic economy located at the heart of global trade routes, with a demographic dividend that positions Indonesia as the gateway to ASEAN,” Airlangga noted.

At the close of the meeting, Minister Airlangga invited Canadian businesses, particularly from British Columbia, to explore economic opportunities in Indonesia. He also extended invitations to educational institutions, such as Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology, to establish campuses in Indonesia. He further encouraged APFC to open a representative office in the country.

Participants in the Business Roundtable included BC Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd., Foresight Clean Tech Accelerator, Damon Motorcycles, Paper Excellence, EDC, Kryton International, Chop Velue, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Westport Fuel Systems.

Also present at the event were Senator Yuen Pau Woo, officials from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Indonesian Consul General in Vancouver, and the Head of ITPC Vancouver

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