Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley will meet a government delegation from East Java in Perth today, further strengthening economic opportunities with our Sister State.
The delegation follows Minister Tinley’s visit to Indonesia last month to meet with key government and business stakeholders in Indonesia to discuss trade and investment opportunities, and initiate plans for the Western Australia-East Java Sister State relationship’s 30th anniversary in 2020.
The visit to WA by key stakeholders from education, youth, arts and local government sectors to plan 30th anniversary celebrations demonstrates the importance of the relationship to the people of East Java.
The 29-strong delegation from the East Java Provincial Government, and the city governments of Batu, Malang and Mojokerto will participate in talks on youth exchange, culture and the arts, teacher exchange, inclusive education and health promotion in disadvantaged communities.
The WA-East Java Sister State relationship began in August 1990, and exchanges have focussed on such issues as education and training, government administration, health and welfare, sport and culture, and agriculture.
An example was the establishment of the WA-East Java University Consortium (WAEWJUC) in 2017, to support collaboration in education, research skills, human capital development and training.
In August this year, Mr Tinley launched WA’s Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-30: Our Future in Asia as part of the State Government’s efforts to grow and diversify its relationship with Indonesia and other Asian countries.
In 2018-19, Indonesia was WA’s 12th largest market for merchandise exports, accounting for one per cent of WA’s merchandise exports.
The State exported $2.2 billion of merchandise to Indonesia in the same period – well above its annual average of $1.7 billion in the past 10 years.
As part of the Strategy, the State Government offers support to WA businesses looking to export to Indonesia, through its Access Asia Business Grants. For information visit https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
“I am very pleased to welcome the East Java delegation to Perth and, as part of the visit, begin working on preparations for the 30th anniversary of our Sister State relationship next year.
“WA’s long-standing and strong relationship with East Java over the past three decades has demonstrated its commitment to both Indonesia and the people of East Java.
“I anticipate working with the delegation to realise the potential of the Sister State relationship and planning of key economic activities as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations in 2020.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5300
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