The U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago is leading a high-level delegation to Indonesia as part of the Innovative Technologies for Urban Infrastructure Development Trade Mission. This mission aims to strengthen U.S.-Indonesia economic ties, focusing on digital infrastructure, smart cities, innovation, and sustainability. It underscores the growing partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to fostering global economic growth and collaboration.
Under Secretary Lago’s visit follows the Joint Leaders’ Statement made on November 12, 2024, by U.S. President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In the statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasised a shared dedication to enhancing trade, investment, and sustainable development, especially in the fields of technology and infrastructure.
“This trade mission marks the U.S. Department of Commerce’s first-ever focused on smart cities, bringing some of the most cutting-edge U.S. companies in the technology and infrastructure sectors to Indonesia,” said Under Secretary Lago. “We are excited about the many opportunities to support Indonesia’s ambitious digital transformation agenda, as well as its plans to develop smart city infrastructure in hundreds of cities across the archipelago.”
Lago’s visit underscores the strong potential for collaboration between the U.S. and Indonesia in urban infrastructure and technology. As Indonesia moves forward with its rapid digital transformation, it is looking to the U.S. to provide technological expertise, particularly in areas such as digital infrastructure, smart cities, and sustainability. This mission offers a platform for American businesses to engage directly with Indonesian counterparts and explore new opportunities for investment and joint ventures.
U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, noted the mission’s importance in reinforcing the United States’ commitment to strengthening ties with Indonesia’s private sector.
“This trade mission represents the United States’ ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships that bring quality project development to Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesian people,” she said. “We are dedicated to supporting long-term growth, enhancing sustainable urban development, and creating opportunities that benefit both nations.”
During her time in Jakarta, Under Secretary Lago engaged with key Indonesian officials from the government and private sectors to foster cooperation in digital trade, infrastructure development, and supply chain resilience.
On November 18, she met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia and the US-ASEAN Business Council, as well as young leaders from the fintech industry, to discuss bilateral trade and investment initiatives. These engagements aim to enhance cooperation in sectors such as finance, technology, and urban development.
A notable part of Lago’s mission also focused on women’s economic empowerment. As part of her ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in business, she met with local women business leaders to discuss strategies for advancing their role in Indonesia’s economic development. Empowering women entrepreneurs and executives is an essential part of both nations’ broader goals for inclusive economic growth.
After her visit to Jakarta, Under Secretary Lago travelled to Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital, where she participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate a U.S.-funded pilot command centre for managing smart city infrastructure. This facility will serve as a model for future smart city projects in Indonesia, showcasing the U.S. commitment to supporting the country’s sustainable urban development goals.
Under Secretary Lago also took the opportunity to visit key landmarks in Nusantara, including the Presidential Palace, to reinforce the growing ties between the two nations.
The visit is key to strengthening the bilateral relationship and advancing collaboration in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. It highlights the U.S.A.’s ongoing commitment to driving economic growth and fostering innovation in the Indo-Pacific region while supporting Indonesia’s ambitions to build sustainable, smart cities that will shape the country’s future.
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