03/09/2024. PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI has once again showed its commitment to increasing global cooperation and supporting the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the international arena.
This time, BNI participated in the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) which was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on September 1-3, 2024.
This forum carries the theme “Bandung Spirit for Africa's Agenda 2063” and was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and attended by seven African heads of state and 54 representatives of African countries.
The Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) is an important platform for the Indonesian Government and all Indonesian business players to expand networks and optimize business cooperation with African countries.
The forum was filled with various panel discussions and business exhibitions involving both state-owned and private companies, including 17 MSMEs from Indonesia engaged in the fashion, furniture, crafts, and processed food sectors.
BNI Institutional Banking Director Munadi Herlambang was one of the panelists in the discussion session themed 'Exploring the Impact and Opportunities of Digital Innovation in Indonesia and Africa' along with other panelists from government agencies and state-owned enterprises.
In the meantime, BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said technology plays an important role in BNI's banking system. According to him, technology is an integral part of the banking system in driving Indonesia's economic growth.
“We continue to adapt to the latest digital and technology trends, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Banking, Mobile Banking & Payments, and Big Data & Analytics to maintain a competitive advantage,” Okki said.
As a global bank mandated by the Ministry of SOEs, BNI is tasked with bridging Indonesia with the world, supporting the expansion of banking services and transactions globally.
Through BNI Xpora services, a digital platform that supports businesses to integrate with domestic and global markets, BNI continues to be committed to helping Indonesian MSMEs achieve high competitiveness and world class.
In addition to the panel discussion, BNI's participation in IAF 2024 was also marked by the participation of seven BNI Xpora fostered MSME partners from a total of 17 fostered MSME partners participating in the business exhibition.
Currently, BNI has 43 thousand export-oriented Xpora customers, 20 thousand of which have received capital facilities with a total outstanding of IDR 30 trillion as of July 2024.
To support the success of IAF 2024, BNI also provided money changer services and EDC machines at their booth to facilitate delegates in making transactions during the event.
“Participation in this forum shows BNI's commitment to support the improvement of Global business, especially with countries in Africa and support for Indonesian MSMEs to be internationally competitive. Through various initiatives and superior services, BNI continues to play an active role in strengthening Indonesia's position in the global market,” concluded Okki.