ASEAN's various advantages both in terms of geography and demographics, make President Joko Widodo convinced that ASEAN will be a new economic axis of the world. Therefore, Australia as one of the closest ASEAN countries is expected to take advantage of these opportunities, especially in terms of investment.
President Joko Widodo said in his speech at the CEO Forum, as a series of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, at the International Convention Center, Sydney, Australia, Saturday, March 17, 2018.
"The shaft of the world economy is shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the highest economic growth currently in Asia Pacific. Then who is right in the middle of Asia Pacific, is ASEAN, "said President Jokowi.
The position of ASEAN in the middle, between India, Central Asia and Middle East is to the west, then China, Korea and Japan to the north, and Australia and New Zealand in the south, making ASEAN a strategic area.
"But besides that, there are other important things that are growing in Asia Pacific and ASEAN, namely the middle class. Including about 630 million population in Southeast Asia, "explained the President.
ASEAN Middle Class
Along with the growth of the digital era that affects the economic sector, also affects the changing pattern of consumption in middle-class society in ASEAN. Social media according to the President, is one of the main factors triggering the change.
"I can say that 'selfie' is the invention or creation of this century, because 'selfie' has changed the world," said President greeted laughter of the audience.
The President then gave an example of a natural tourist attraction named Kalibiru located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. There people are willing to queue for hours just to get a perfect 'selfie'
"Medium and younger people are currently interested in experience and adventure than luxury goods, it certainly has an impact on the spiraling global tourism sector," said the President.
The president explained, based on data from Bloomberg, although world economic growth is currently at around 3 percent per year, but the global tourism industry grew more than 7 percent per year. This is a tremendous opportunity for ASEAN and Australia.
"Not only become a tourist destination and increase the number of new tourists from Australia, but Australia also has a business opportunity in helping the development of tourism industry in ASEAN," explained the President.
Currently, according to the President, various infrastructure projects in ASEAN countries are being built to support the spiraling of the tourism sector. Starting from the repair and construction of airports, ports, highways, even trains super fast.
"However, we still need a lot of infrastructure and this is an opportunity for business people in Australia," said the President
In addition to the tourism sector, the President also said that the financial saving sector is also emerging in the middle of ASEAN. The funds can certainly be utilized, among others, to fund infrastructure projects, industry, and e-Commerce sector.
"ASEAN should build a large regional capital market, as well as Euro-dollar markets and European-zone capital markets. And this is also a great opportunity for banks and financial institutions in Australia, "explained the President.
Therefore, the President hopes, ASEAN and Australia can continue to improve their working relationship, especially in terms of trade, tourism and investment.
"I look forward to welcoming Australia in ASEAN, and Indonesia," the President concluded his remarks.
Sydney, March 17, 2018
Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media Secretariat of the President
Bey Machmudin
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