Australia, Indonesia Collaborate In Creative Industries

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and Australia are fostering cooperation through the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to support the development of creative industries.

"I am pleased to announce, in partnership with Indonesian Minister for Trade, Enggartiasto Lukita, our joint collaboration in support of our creative industries," Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo was quoted as saying by the Australian Embassy on its official website on Wednesday.

He said cooperation in creative industries is one of the early outcomes of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

The initial focus of this collaboration will be between the fashion and jewelry design industries, which are already major contributors to the Australian and Indonesian economies. More than 220,000 Australians work in the fashion-related sectors; this adds $12 billion to the country¿s economy each year.

With an estimated 22 million high-end consumers, Indonesia is an emerging market that presents a new opportunity for the Australian fashion and jewelry industry.

Steps have already been taken to increase the commercial and cultural trade opportunities fashion presents to both countries¿ economies. 25 Indonesian fashion entrepreneurs have received scholarships to attend a two-week International Business Readiness program in Queensland, while established designers in both countries have been supported to showcase their work at premier fashion events in Jakarta and Melbourne.

One of these emerging Indonesian designers, Toton, will compete for the Australian-founded International Woolmark Prize in Paris in early 2017¿which is an example of collaboration between Australia's primary producers and young Indonesian design talent.

An Australia Awards Short Course is being developed for Indonesian jewelry designers, targeting partnership with peak bodies and trainers from vocational and design institutions.

Over the next 12 months, the two countries will expand this cooperation to other creative sectors identified as key growth areas, including digital technology, performing arts and film.

The early success of these initiatives is yet another sign of IA-CEPA's positive impact on Australia's relationship with Indonesia. The final deal will build on these outcomes to facilitate greater trade, investment, tourism, and cooperative opportunities between the two countries.

Increasing Australian exports, through trade with countries such as Indonesia, will create Australian jobs and drive economic growth. (WDY)