(11/19/2006) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has signaled its readiness to lobby intensively for the removal of current travel warnings discouraging travel to Indonesia on the understanding that the Indonesian Government will continue to increase efforts to create a favorable investment climate for U.S. businesses in Indonesia. The offer to lend the support of the 3 million member U.S. Chamber was made by the President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, Thomas J. Donahue, following a meeting on November 13, 2006, with the Indonesian Chamber (KADIN).

Donahue told the Indonesian language Bali Post that he felt the U.S. Government should review its policies (on travel warnings) via a face to face meeting between Indonesia's President with the U.S. Secretary of State. Donahue said that he hoped both countries would take positive steps in the right direction on the issue of travel advisories and that Indonesia would maintain its currently conducive situation.

Admitting that Indonesia is making significant moves to improve its investment climate, Donahue pointed to the recently published World Economic Forum's Global Index that saw Indonesia advance in its former competitive ranking of #50 in the world to a significantly improved position of #19.

Donahue called on Indonesia to become a nation which is increasingly transparent, honors joint venture contracts, continues to battle corruption, and combats piracy and counterfeit goods. These things, according to the U.S. Chamber Chief, will guarantee Indonesia's attractiveness as a foreign investment destination.