The size and seniority of the business mission made it clear that despite the global economic crisis, American companies see valuable growth opportunities in Indonesia.

The business mission was led by Chairman of the U.S.-Indonesia Business Council William Beddow of Caterpillar Inc., and co-led by Vice President of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council William Marmon and by Vice Chairman of the U.S.-Indonesia Business Council Russell King of Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

In a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, mission co-leader Beddow said, “The companies of this delegation view their business activities in Indonesia as a partnership with the people of Indonesia.”

“American companies should couple their own growth in Indonesia with contributions to Indonesia’s economic development,” continued Beddow.

Acting Chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council Mr. Roderick Hills reported on the creation in July 2008, of the Center for the Study of Governance at the University of Indonesia, which had been promised during last year’s mission. The Center was established by Hills and contributions from US-ASEAN Business Council members including a large contribution from AIG.

Mission delegates also participated in an Energy Policy Dialogue, convened by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Deputy U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Dr. Phyllis Yoshida and Assistant Secretary of Energy James Slutz (Acting).

The recent DPR ratification of the ASEAN Charter was applauded by the Mission. Delegation co-leader William Marmon said: “Ratification of the ASEAN Charter is an important step forward in ASEAN’s integration and the ASEAN goal of creating a single and significant market by 2015.”

The US-ASEAN Business Council also organized a community health dinner discussion through its Health and Life Sciences Working Group. Dr. Leslie Mancuso, President & CEO of Jhpiego, and Deputy Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Dr. Emil Agustiono, led a dinner discussion on health issues and initiatives, particularly on the subject of women’s health.

The delegation has met with Vice President Yusuf Kalla, Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Information and Communications Muhammad Nuh, Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda, Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board Muhammad Lutfi, Speaker of the House of Representatives Agung Laksono, Chairman of DPR Commission I Theo Sambuaga, DPR Member Murdaya Widyawimarta, President Commissioner of PT Bank BNI Mr. Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, President of the Jakarta Stock Exchange Erry Firmansyah, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN/KIKAS) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia.

Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Hon. Cameron R. Hume and the Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States, H.E. Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat provided important support to the mission’s success.

The companies represented on the mission include: AES Corporation; AIG; Caterpillar Inc.; Chevron Corporation; the Coca-Cola Company; ConocoPhillips, Inc.; Dow Chemical Company; ExxonMobil Corporation; FedEx; Ford Motor Company; Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.; GE; GlaxoSmithKline; Guardian Industries; HP; the Hills Companies; Intel; Jhpiego; Johnson & Johnson; Marathon Oil Corporation; J. Ray McDermott; Microsoft Corporation; Monsanto Company; Oracle Corporation; Pfizer; PSEG; and STAR Group.

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The US-ASEAN Business Council and affiliates are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and US ASEAN relations and building strong economic and commercial ties. Members of the Council include Fortune 1000 companies in support of promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation, advancing US ASEAN relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships, and committing to development and corporate social responsibility. The Council's members are represented in diverse industries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automobiles, computers and information technology, consumer goods, energy exploration and development, express delivery services, financial services, health care and pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, mining, software, and telecommunications.

For information on the US-ASEAN Business Council or general information visit www.us-asean.org.