Leading Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) and Irwin Mitchell Scotland recently hosted a special Indonesian Business Outreach Event at its Glasgow office, enabling business relations to flourish.

The seminar, titled ‘Gateway to Southeast Asia: Unlocking Indonesia’s Market Potential’ featured a host of distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Dr Desra Percaya, Indonesian ambassador to the UK and Ireland, Professor Wendy Alexander, a former MSP and Scottish Labour leader.

Mark Higgins, Irwin Mitchell Scotland and WJM Chair, took to the stage as the event delved deeper into the potential of UK-Indonesian business relations. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy with a population of over 270 million, Indonesia stands out for its diverse industries and rapid economic growth.

Presented by the Embassy of Indonesia, together with Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre, WJM & Irwin Mitchell, and with the support from the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Indonesia and Scottish Development International (SDI), the forum highlighted significant opportunities between the two nations.

Mark said: “Being able to host and help facilitate this event was an exciting opportunity as we seek to broaden our client base across our corporate, commercial and wealth management services.

“It is testament to the potential of our relationship and yet another example of our growth in the Scottish market.

“We hope that similarly fruitful partnerships are born out of the discussions in our building as UK and Indonesian business relations flourish.”

From conversations around technological innovation and financial services to clean energy programmes and plans for sustainable infrastructure, discussions, chaired by Executive Director of British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia Chris Wren, were far-reaching.

A panel of Siti Tiefryani Fahlyah, Director of Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre London, Carol Harvey, Export Finance Manager at UK Export Finance, Sarah Lau, Head of ASEAN at Irwin Mitchell, Jon Hope, Senior Vice President at CodeBase and Professor Nuran Acur from the University of Glasgow, provided an introduction to Indonesia and discussed opportunities, as well as legal considerations.

Existing partnerships between Scotland and Indonesia such as that of Mott MacDonald were also laid out as positive examples of trade relations. It is hoped that further opportunities and partnerships, in areas such as renewables and wealth management, spring from the event as Indonesia welcomes investment and business from the United Kingdom, and Scotland.

HE Dr Desra Percaya, Indonesian ambassador to the UK and Ireland, said: “Being in the vibrant economic hub of Glasgow was the perfect setting to set the scene for our discussion on Indonesian-UK business relations, which are steadily advancing.

“The UK is one of the leading investors in Indonesia, with Scotland the fifth-largest trading partner among UK regions, but there is still room for improvement.

“Our economy is resilient, and in our 75^th year of trade relations with the UK, it feels like a pivotal moment to forge new collaborations and strengthen our ties.

“Together we can harness our strengths and create a prosperous future.”

Professor Wendy Alexander, Scottish Government Trade and Investment Envoy for Higher Education, also commented: “Scotland is eager to build on good relations with Indonesia – the largest economy in Southeast Asia, and what will be become one of the most dynamic of the future emerging economies.

“With a strong domestic consumption base, it is an ideal place for investment. I hope that Scottish companies are inspired by the opportunities showcased.

“Scotland is a fantastic place to do business with. Our strengths are recognised internationally and an attractive place for inward looking companies to locate and expand.

“We hope we are well placed to be a partner for Indonesia’s future ambitions.”