“The Council delegates agreed to cooperate with the Indonesian government in Indonesia’s future plans for the entire range of infrastructure development, including; communications, energy, health, IT, and physical infrastructure,” said Alexander Feldman, President of the US-ASEAN Business Council. “We are looking forward to continuing to serve as a partner for Indonesia as it continues its remarkable story of growth.”

"We are excited about the government's emphasis on infrastructure and the Council’s decision to form an infrastructure working group to explore opportunities for collaboration in Indonesia and in ASEAN," added Clay Thompson of Caterpillar, the Chairman of the Council’s Indonesia Business Committee and co-leader of the mission along with Mr. Feldman.

Council delegates were received by eight ministers, the Vice President, the Deputy Speaker and other leaders of the Parliament and many other senior policymakers. Discussions focused on finding ways to match the government’s priority goals for growth and reform with American companies’ high quality products, technology, and services. The delegation’s size and seniority, and the positive message of the business mission made it clear that American companies see valuable growth opportunities in Indonesia despite the global economic downturn.

The delegation was well received by the new Cabinet. The Council has been invited to participate in the National Logistics working group and to host workshops for American investors in Jakarta, Singapore, and Washington on Indonesia’s National Single Window, which is due to be launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday.

The delegation not only consisted of long-time investors in Indonesia, but included companies looking to invest for the first time as well as those looking to expand their presence. The delegation was impressed with the frankness and openness of its discussion with Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Chairman, Gita Wirjawan. The Council is confident that he will be able to make important improvements to the investment climate of Indonesia, which should help to attract additional investments.

The US-ASEAN Business Council’s business mission to Indonesia serves as a strong signal that Indonesia remains a priority market for major American investors and that it is possible to make trade and investment the highlight of the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.

The delegates also recognized the efforts and invaluable support of the American Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Hon. Cameron R. Hume and the staff of the United States Embassy in Jakarta.

The companies represented on the mission included: Amway; Baxter Healthcare; Cargill; Caterpillar Inc.; the Coca-Cola Company; ConocoPhillips; Deloitte; Dow Chemical; Emerson Electric; Ford Motor Company; Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.; General Electric; the Hills’ Companies; IBM; Intel; Jhpiego; Marathon Oil Corporation; J. Ray McDermott; McLarty Associates; Microsoft Corporation; Monsanto; News Corporation; Procter & Gamble; Qualcomm; PT HM Sampoerna; TimeWarner; and UPS.

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Currently celebrating its 25 th anniversary, the US-ASEAN Business Council represents approximately 100 major U.S. Corporations, ranging from those who have been active in Southeast Asia for over 100 years to newcomers looking to expand their presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Council’s sectoral working groups, including Customs, Defense & Security, Energy, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Health & Life Sciences, Information & Communications Technology, and Infrastructure, bring together the pre-eminent companies in their fields to enable high-level dialogues that help resolve issues and drive innovation and investment. With long-established personal and professional relationships in ASEAN and Washington, the Council is the most effective conduit between decision-makers on both sides of the Pacific.