RI to Enhance Food Security Partnership with Aussie
Selasa, 18 Juni 2013 21:30 WIB
By Azi Fitriyanti
Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesia plans to enhance food security partnership with Australia, particularly Victoria State, said Indonesian Consul General in Melbourne Irmawan Emir Wisnandar.
The intention to step up food security partnership with the neighboring country was in line with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's program to secure national food supply within the next few years, Irmawan said here on Tuesday.
"We still see Australia as one of the significant food and beverage suppliers for Indonesia because of our big population which leads to higher needs for food," he said.
On the other hand, Irmawan noted that Australia is focusing on Indonesia as its important and significant market, particularly when the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) takes effect in 2015, Indonesia will be a trade and economy hub for other ASEAN member states and countries outside the community.
Hence, Indonesia which is the nearest Southeast Asian country to Australia has become a potential bridge as well as an important market for Australia to other countries in the region.
"Therefore, Australia, particularly Victoria should willy-nilly enhance their partnership with Indonesia," he said.
In aiming to focus on Southeast Asia and wider Asia, the Federal Government of Australia has launched a program called "Asian Sincerity in the 2025" to support this effort through many sectors.
"This program is a form of optimism that Asia will be the world's economic champion in 2025, so they have to prepare from now on, starting from Indonesia," said Irmawan. (*)