T
he EIBN is set up by a consortium of five bilateral
chambers of commerce. Besides EKONID, the lead
implementing partners are Britcham, INA, and IFCCI
in Indonesian; and EUROCHAMBERS and CCI Barcelona on
the Europe. EuroCham Indonesia, while listed as a partner
in EIBN, is in fact exclusively responsible for the advocacy
component of the ICI+ program in Indonesia.
In 2016, EIBN strongly focused on outreach in Europe
and ASEAN. In Europe, EIBN implemented numerous
activities in 11 different Member States, and partnered
with other ICI+ projects in ASEAN to deliver joint EU-
ASEAN Business Networks market information sessions
and individual consultations. EIBN also organized several
sector-specific roundtables and participated in reference
trade events in Europe. The latter - visiting key events - was
also extended to ASEAN countries for the first time with the
aim at reaching out to European companies that are already
present in the region. The project continues to lead the
cooperation while consolidating relations between the EU
ICI+ Projects in ASEAN.
In Indonesia, EIBN continues to strengthen its
collaboration with EU Embassies with regular individual
meetings and giving continuity to the capacity-building
Info Sessions programs. These events, exclusive to business
support professionals in EU official representations, trade
agencies and chambers of commerce, were welcomed by the
Member States, which responded well to the four events put
forth by EIBN. They will continue in the future, as they are
considered as key in the interaction and knowledge-building
process between EIBN and EU Member States in Jakarta.
Joint activities with EU Embassies were also put
forth in a successful manner, gaining and consolidating a
positive recognition among all Member States embassies.
For instance, EIBN supported the Belgian Trade Agency
during the Belgian Economic Mission, prepared a market
study for the Danish Embassy, was supported by the Italian
Trade Agency in acquiring participants for the F&B Trade
Mission, and jointly implemented a healthcare delegation
from Sweden with the Swedish Embassy and trade support
agency – Business Sweden.
On its own, EIBN led the participation of a delegation
of European food and beverage (F&B) companies at SIAL
InterFOOD Exhibition in Jakarta, with 14 participating EU
companies represented in the European Pavilion. This gave
them the opportunity to present their products to Indonesian
end-consumers and multipliers. Parallel to the 4-day event,
EIBN had the honor to welcome the High Commissioner
of the EU for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Phil
Hogan, at the Pavilion. EIBN’s European Pavilion itself
became the center of attention during SIAL InterFOOD
2016, winning the exhibition’s Award for Best Design. With
this, the European participation was at the forefront of the
Expo, contributing to bring Indonesia and the European
Union closer by sharing its flavors, traditions and culture of
food and beverage-making.
EIBN successfully hosted as well the 6th EU-Indonesia
Business Dialogue (EIBD) that, in light of the recent launch
of negotiations in 2016 for the Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the EU and
Indonesia, adopted the topic “CEPA, Enhancing the EU –
Indonesia Partnership: ANew Framework for Bilateral Trade
and Investment”. This year’s edition included the presence of
the Vice President of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Jusuf Kalla and the
High Commissioner of the European Union for Agriculture
and Rural Development, H.E. Mr. Phil Hogan. High level
representatives of the Indonesian and the European business
communities were successfully able to discuss possible
solutions and joint recommendations on issues affecting
trade and investment between the EU and Indonesia.
On a different note, EIBN also moved forward with key
local partners, establishing a closer cooperation with the
EU’s Trade Cooperation Facility Project, namely its EU Desk
at the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
In fact, since the TCF program saw its end in November
2016, EIBN has decided to continue with the BKPM EU Desk
under the EIBN project as of January 2017.
EIBN was successful in continuing to become a reliable
business support provider, directed towards increasing
the number of enquiries, services and proposals, therefore
emphasizing its commercial component, linked to the
revenue-generation element of the Project. The Project has
built a solid structure and progressing brand recognition,
having been able to generate paid business support services
and missions, and to handle around 390 business enquiries.
Overall, EIBN has established its credibility as a Gateway to
Indonesia for EU businesses.
25
events hosted
by EIBN in 7
countries, 10
cities
390
Business enquiries
with 70% increase from
previous year
4
Business
delegations
Denmark, Belgium,
Sweden and EU DG Agri
8
Market studies
or EIBN Sector Reports
47