AmCham Indonesia signs MoU with GSJHCC at OPIC Conference

AmCham Indonesia Signs MoU with the Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Promote American Investment in Indonesia.

The American Chamber of Commerce Indonesia (AmCham) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GSJHCC) on the sidelines of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) 7th annual investment conference, Access to Opportunity in Southeast Asia, an international investment conference helping U.S. companies to pursue investment opportunities in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The purpose of the MOU is to express the mutual interest of AmCham Indonesia and GSJHCC to collaborate in the promotion of US micro, small and medium sized enterprises' (SME) investment and trade in Indonesia.

AmCham President, Daniel Hughes, said of the agreement, ''AmCham is excited about this opportunity to work with GSJHCC to promote American investment in Indonesia. This a great example of the implementation of the business pillar of the Comprehensive Partnership between Indonesia and the United States, promoting trade between our countries. GSJHCC's emphasis on SMEs and minority-owned businesses are principles that AmCham Indonesia is especially proud to support. This agreement was made possible by OPIC hosting this important multi-country conference in Indonesia. Indonesia's abundant business opportunities provide an excellent investment destination for American investment, which can help meet President Obama's goals with the National Export Initiative while further propelling Indonesia's strong economic growth. GSJHCC's presence in Indonesia signifies the strong potential for American SMEs to invest in Indonesia. Moreover, the immediate focus on renewable energy by GSJHCC reinforces the mandate for environmental cooperation within the Comprehensive Partnership.''

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono joined Elizabeth Littlefield, President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel to open the OPIC Conference yesterday. The event brought more than 300 participants from 22 countries, representing American and Southeast Asian businesses, leading regional investors and both the U.S. and regional governments to Jakarta for the three-day conference, which was announced by President Obama during his trip to Indonesia last November.

''We chose Southeast Asia for one reason above all others: its time is now. It is the emerging market that economists and investors alike are pointing to with uniform enthusiasm. OPIC's goal for the conference is to facilitate new U.S. investment in Southeast Asia, especially in priority sectors such as infrastructure and renewable energy. We aim to encourage projects which deliver important developmental benefits to the peoples of the region - better utility services, improved agriculture, modernized health care and communications, for example - through the vehicle of American innovation and capital,'' Ms. Littlefield said.

U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel said, ''We are pleased to welcome OPIC to Indonesia as a demonstration of the Obama Administration's ongoing commitment to support Southeast Asia's emerging markets, and build a Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia. Given the encouraging prospects in the region, we look forward to a highly successful conference.''

The Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GSJHCC) is a 501c(6) non-profit California organization incorporated in January 2003 with a mission to provide programs and services that enable its members to do business globally. GSJHCC is comprised of approximately 600 micro, small, medium and multinational businesses from around 50 different nationalities. GSJHCC businesses are spread throughout the United States and the world. GSJHCC has developed an environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners to go global and create jobs for communities and wealth for themselves. GSJHCC does so by providing training, networking opportunities and organizing trade missions. GSJHCC has partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding with business associations, multinational corporations, state and federal agencies in United States, Latin America, Germany, Spain, China and India, and now Indonesia.