15th October 2024, New Delhi: As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across APAC’s leading digital economies, the GSMA, in partnership with India Mobile Congress (IMC), today welcomed senior delegations from India and Indonesia to India Mobile Congress 2024. This event highlights the deepening partnership between two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital economies.
Strengthening Ties Between APAC’s Largest Digital Economies
India and Indonesia, the second and third-largest democracies globally 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 surged by 50% in the past 18 months, driven by expanding cooperation in critical sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and digital finance.
The cultural and historical ties between India and Indonesia are significant, with a shared heritage rooted in centuries of exchange. Iconic sites such as Bali and Prambanan reflect their longstanding connection. As both nations embrace the digital future, this partnership is set to not only enhance trade and investment but also shape the technological 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.
GSMA’s Role in Uniting Digital Nations
“India and Indonesia are not just the largest democracies in the APAC region; they are the future engines of digital and economic growth for the region. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for both nations.” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.
Ambassadors from both countries shared their enthusiasm for the growing ties 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 digitalisation, this partnership not only strengthens our economies but also paves the way for innovative solutions that can benefit the broader Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration between India and Indonesia in the digital space reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and prosperity for all.” said H.E. Sandeep Chakravorty, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia.
H.E. Ina Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi, Indonesian Ambassador to India added: “Indonesia and India share a rich history of cooperation, and as we move forward 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 groundwork 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 Ramakrishna, CEO of India Mobile Congress, who added, “As we stand at the forefront of a digital revolution, India and Indonesia are not just shaping their own futures but setting the stage for a connected Asia-Pacific. At IMC, we are proud to be part of this journey, driving innovation and creating partnerships that will fuel economies, empower people, and transform lives. Together, we are not only imagining the future – we are building it, ensuring that the digital economy benefits every citizen across our region.” The Indonesian delegation comprising of senior professionals from the telecommunications and digital infrastructure companies is led by Manish Kasliwal, a veteran APAC industry leader.
A Vision for Digital Leadership in APAC
As mobile adoption accelerates, with APAC leading the way in global mobile internet usage, India and Indonesia are uniquely positioned to leverage digitalisation 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 by the same year. Furthermore, mobile technologies and services generated 5.3% of GDP across the APAC region in 2023, contributing $880 billion in economic value, and supporting approximately 13 million jobs across the region. These numbers underscore the importance of ongoing collaboration to further expand the digital economy in both nations.
With the GSMA’s support, India and Indonesia are setting the stage for a digital partnership that could define the next generation of economic growth in the region.
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About GSMA
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
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