Port Blair, Feb 19: On 19th February, 2020, a business meeting was organized by Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), with an Indonesian delegation from Aceh, led by the Hon’ble Governor, Shri Nova Iriansyah. This meeting aimed to establish the strategic road forward in implementing the ‘Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ of the premiers of both nations. The 25 member delegation comprised of members of Aceh Administration and delegates of Aceh-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was attended by various secretaries of A&N Administration and members of ACCI.

Governor Iriansyah, highlighted the geographical closeness of Aceh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, stating his commitment to improving connectivity, which could be mutually beneficial and prosperous for inhabitants of both regions.  Sect. Shipping, Shri Sudhir Mahajan, speaking at the event, said bilateral relations through business to business linkages could unlock several economic opportunities.  Further, Shri Makmur Budiman, President, Aceh-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the various avenues of potential cooperation, which included trade and investment, development of shipping and air connectivity, sustainable fisheries, tourism, cultural exchange and science and technology. Speaking on behalf of ACCI, Past President, Shri Mohamed Jadwet, held a fruitful discussion, narrowing on steps forward that can be taken to cement this budding relationship. ACCI, to portray its commitment announced its intention to acquire 100,000 metric tonnes of cement, sand, stone aggregates from Aceh, immediately and send a delegation of over 100 people to Aceh to increase people-to-people contact. The august gathering was welcomed by President-In-Charge, ACCI, Shri Surendra Prahladkar, who recounted the preceding initiatives by chambers of both regions, inclusive of a 10 member delegation led by him, that visited Aceh, to understand the potential of developing business relations and was hopeful the business meeting would lead to concrete steps for greater collaboration in the future.