15th October 2024, New Delhi: As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between APAC's leading digital economies, the GSMA, in partnership with India Mobile Congress (IMC), today welcomed high-level delegations from India and Indonesia to the India Mobile Congress 2024. This event highlights the deepening partnership between two of the world's largest and fastest growing digital economies.
Strengthening links between APAC's largest digital economies
India and Indonesia, the world's second and third largest democracies and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, are projected to be among the top five global economies by 2050. Bilateral trade between the two countries has increased by 50% in the last 18 years. months, driven by expanded cooperation in critical sectors such as technology, telecommunications and digital finance.
The cultural and historical links between India and Indonesia are important, with a shared heritage rooted in centuries of exchange. Iconic sites like Bali and Prambanan reflect their long-standing connection. As both nations embrace the digital future, this partnership will not only enhance trade and investment, but will also shape the technology landscape of the Asia-Pacific region for decades to come.
Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, both countries are at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive digital transformation, solidifying their positions as key players in the global digital economy.
The GSMA's role in uniting digital nations
“India and Indonesia are not only the largest democracies in the APAC region; They are the future engines of digital and economic growth in the region. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital future for both nations.” saying Mats Granryd, CEO of GSMA.
Ambassadors from both countries shared their enthusiasm for the growing links between their digital economies:
“The bond between India and Indonesia has always been one of mutual respect and shared ambitions. Today, as our nations continue to embrace digitalization, this partnership not only strengthens our economies but also paves the way for innovative solutions that can benefit the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. The collaboration between India and Indonesia in the digital space reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and prosperity for all.” saying HE Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia.
HE Ina Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi, Indonesian Ambassador to India aggregate: “Indonesia and India share a rich history of cooperation and, as we move into a new era of digital transformation, this relationship becomes even more vital. By working together to foster innovation and build stronger digital infrastructures, we are laying the foundation for future generations to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The welcome ceremony at the GSMA pavilion was attended by key officials from both countries, including RamakrishnaCEO of India Mobile Congress, who added: “As we are at the forefront of a digital revolution, India and Indonesia are not only shaping their own futures, they are also laying the foundation for a connected Asia-Pacific. At IMC, we are proud to be part of this journey, driving innovation and creating partnerships that will boost economies, empower people and transform lives. Together, we are not just imagining the future: we are building it, ensuring that the digital economy benefits all citizens of our region.” The Indonesian delegation, made up of senior professionals from telecom and digital infrastructure companies, is led by Manish Kasliwal, a veteran APAC industry leader.
A vision for digital leadership in APAC
As mobile technology adoption accelerates, with APAC leading the way in global mobile Internet usage, India and Indonesia are uniquely positioned to leverage digitalization to drive economic resilience, job creation and innovation. . According to the latest GSMA Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2024 report, India is projected to have 1.2 billion smartphone connections by 2030, while Indonesia is expected to reach 387 million connections that same year.. Furthermore, mobile technologies and services generated 5.3% of GDP across the entire APAC region in 2023contributing 880 billion dollars in economic value, and supporting approximately 13 million jobs throughout the region. These figures underline the importance of continued collaboration to further expand the digital economy in both nations.
With the support of the GSMA, India and Indonesia are laying the foundation for a digital partnership that could define the next generation of economic growth in the region.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
