Indonesia and Afghanistan strengthen economic ties

TMP – 03/05/2017

Afghanistan’s President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani visited Indonesia earlier this month to discuss how to strengthen investment and economic ties between the two countries.

President Ghani enjoyed a two-day state visit to Indonesia on 5 and 6 April. Afghanistan is one of the first countries to have recognised Indonesia’s sovereignty. Now the two countries believe closer cooperation can yield huge business potential.

Speaking during an Indonesian-Afghanistan business event attended by President Ghani, the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rosan Roeslani, said that Indonesia can act as a gateway for Afghanistan to trade and gain entry into Asian markets.

“In addition to developing mutual trust and confidence among businesses as well as promoting direct trade, several efforts can be made to strengthen economic exchanges and business,” Roeslani remarked.

At the event President Ghani stressed that Afghanistan’s ports represent a special economic opportunity for Indonesia to serve as a gateway to Central and South Asia for Indonesia. “We can become a hub for Indonesia to gain entry into the market in Central Asia. Afghanistan also provides power transmission lines and gas pipelines for several countries in South Asia,” Ghani noted.

President Ghani also visited the Presidential Palace to meet Indonesian President, Joko Widodo where the heads of state discussed several areas where increseased cooperation between the countries would be most beneficial.

Indonesia is supporting Afghanistan’s development through several initiatives aimed at strengthening Afghan institutions and building the capacity of its human resources.