Chief cosies up to Joko Gunner talks trade with Indonesia’s leader

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner said his brief meeting with Indonesia’s President Jokowi Widodo at Trade Expo Indonesia reaffirmed the Northern Territory’s commitment to closer economic ties and people to people links.

The expo is the largest businesses to business trade event in the region and attracted more than 15,000 visitors from about 100 countries.

“We talked about opportunities for North Australia and Eastern Indonesia, “Mr Gunner said.

“We all live in an important region for trade, tourism and international education.

“It was a great event for Territory businesses to explore the diverse commercial opportunities in Indonesia

“It is imperative that we de- velop trade, investment, economic and cultural relationships with Indonesia.”

NT Indonesian consul Andre Omer Siregar said there had been a good, brief discussion between Mr Widodo and Mr Gunner.

“President Jokowi proposed a special emphasis on developing relations, including in the cattle sector,” he said.

“I was privileged to be able to help facilitate the NT Chief Minister’s meetings during Trade Expo Indonesia.

“May NT Indonesia trade relations strengthen and forge into that partnership so that a North Australia-East Indonesia maritime bridge could better engage the world.”

Mr Gunner said he beefed up the trip to Indonesia by meeting with owners and operators at the TUM feedlot near Jakarta to discuss opportunities in the cattle industry.

“It meets animal welfare standards as an Exporter Supply Chain Assurance Systemcertified feedlot,” he said. “The cattle industry employs around 3000 Territorians and there’s serious potential for growth.”

Also on the trip with Mr Gunner was Opposition Leader Gary Higgins and Member for Blain Terry Mills.

NT International Business Council chairman Sean Mahoney said the trip had been successful.

“Yes a successful trip including the NT Chamber of Commerce. This was a great example of bipartisanship, and relationships refreshed and renewed with political and business figures in Jakarta.”