Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
As part of the third leg of its Asian tour, in media partnership with Aletihad News Center, TRENDS Research & Advisory started its participation in the 44th edition of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024 as a primary sponsor, inaugurating a prominent pavilion that showcases dozens of its publications in various fields.
The inauguration was attended by H.E. Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to Indonesia; H.E. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hajri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Indonesia; H.E. Sudqi Al-Omoush Ambassador of Jordan to Indonesia; Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia; Wedha Startesti Yudha, Chairperson of Indonesia International Book Fair Committee; Chairman of the Emirates Publishers Association; Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association; along with researchers, writers, and other participants in the book fair. TRENDS' pavilion features over 300 titles in various fields of knowledge and utilises latest technologies, including AI, hologram and robots. The Indonesia International Book Fair management honoured TRENDS, the primary sponsor of the book fair, in recognition of its presence and valuableresearch contributions to the event.
Symposium
On the first day of its participation in the book fair, TRENDS organised a symposium titled 'Building Bridges and Shaping the Future: GCC Relations with Southeast Asian Countries'.
Promising Future
In his keynote address, H.E. Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to Indonesia, called for strengthening the strategic partnership between the GCC and Southeast Asian countries, stressing the significance of this collaboration in addressing growing global challenges. He highlighted the unique opportunity for sustainable growth and inclusive development through utilising the vast potential across diverse fields such as trade, investment, energy, and innovation. Al-Dhaheri affirmed that the future promises more cooperation between the GCC and Southeast Asia countries, highlighting the vast potential to enhance this partnership in the coming years.
Knowledge Dialogue
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasised the urgency of fostering collaboration between nations, underscoring how global partnerships play a crucial role in leveraging opportunities and addressing the challenges facing global development and
prosperity.
He stated that economic cooperation between the GCC countries and Southeast Asia offers immense potential; by establishing a free trade zone, the two regions can boost trade and investment, creating new job opportunities. Additionally, cooperation in the field of renewable energy can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing energy security in the region. Dr. Al-Ali called for strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two regions, emphasising the importance of intellectual and cultural dialogue in building a bright future. The first session of the symposium was moderated by researcher Mohammed Al-Salmi, Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS, who emphasized that building bridges between nations is an investment in the future.
Mutual Benefits
Kicking off the discussions, Dr. Fithra Faisal Hastiadi, Economic Adviser - Senior Economist at PT Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia, Former Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Trade, Republic of Indonesia, focused on the future of economic cooperation between ASEAN and GCC countries, highlighting the rapid economic growth in ASEAN, driven by a large, young, and educated workforce, coupled with strategic geographic positioning. He underscored areas of potential collaboration, including infrastructure investment and renewable energy.
Historical Ties
Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center and Editor-in-Chief of Aletihad Newspaper, focused on the power of the media in promoting Gulf-Southeast Asia ties. He emphasised that relations between the GCC and ASEAN countries have developed significantly in recent years, built on solid foundations of shared interests and a desire for growth and prosperity. Dr. Al-Kaabi noted that a key aspect of this partnership is a long-standing relationship dating back to 1986, which was reinforced through strategic dialogue at the Riyadh Summit in 2023, where a comprehensive cooperation framework was established. He highlighted the substantial economic potential of both regions and stated that the partnership holds promising prospects for further deepening in various fields, benefiting people on both sides and enhancing regional stability and development. Dr. Al-Kaabi also underscored the pivotal role of culture and media in shaping and guiding international relations, contributing to increased collaboration and integration by highlighting joint projects, bringing peoples' perspectives closer, and promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence.
A Model for Cooperation
Dr. Sultan Al-Rumaithi, CEO of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Center in Solo,Indonesia, spoke about the role of culture in fostering relations and cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia. He described the UAE-Indonesian relationship as a model of international cooperation, focusing on promoting well-being and prosperity for the people. He noted that the strategic partnership between the two nations goes beyond economic and political dimensions, encompassing shared humanitarian values. Dr. Al-Rumaithi pointed to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque project in Solo as a testament to this fruitful cooperation. He highlighted the mosque's pivotal role in promoting social cohesion and spreading values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different religions and cultures.
Global Shifts
Dr. Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Indonesia, warned of imminent global shifts that will significantly affect Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. He pointed to three main trends shaping the future: increasing interdependence between geopolitics and the global economy, the impacts of climate change, and social and cultural transformations. Dr. Choiruzzad urged countries in both regions to diversify their economies and strengthen cooperation to address these challenges, emphasising the need for enhanced collaboration to confront future challenges and bolster their standing in the global economy. At the end of the symposium, emceed by researcher Ali Al-Ali, Director of the TRENDS Dubai Department, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali presented the symposium participants with a collection of TRENDS publications and commemorative shields.