REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is strengthening its role as a provider of digital-based integrated financial solutions with international excellence. In order to strengthen this role, BNI opened a new branch office in Seoul, South Korea, and established the BNI Korea Desk.
BNI stated in its official statement that the presence of a new office in Seoul and the Korea Desk would make overseas branches as a trade & investment center, and also strengthen support for Indonesian micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) to penetrate the global market.
BNI also places overseas branch offices in strategic central business districts to facilitate access to international business stakeholders.
The inauguration of the new BNI Seoul office and the establishment of the Korea Desk takes a place on April 16, 2021, with the event center in Seoul. Attending the event was the Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Umar Hadi. Present virtually was Deputy Director of BNI Adi Sulistyowati, Director of Treasury, and several BNI Directors from Jakarta.
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs/BUMN) Erick Tohir said the presence of BNI in Seoul has a deeper meaning. BNI Seoul is one proof of the close cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, where diplomatic relations between the two countries have been going on for 48 years.
The close relationship and bilateral cooperation, said Erick, opens opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.
"BNI Seoul is one of Indonesia's storefronts in Korea, apart from of course our diplomatic corps. I hope that BNI Seoul can play a major role in facilitating banking services for Indonesian companies that expand their business to the South Korean market and also serve the diaspora, "said Erick Thohir.
On that occasion, several South Korean companies that have collaborated with BNI were also present, including Lotte Mart, Samsung, and LG. The cooperation that has been running from the consumer side of the business includes credit card co-branding products, support programs at the time of product launch, and also advisory.
Starting March 22, 2021, BNI moved the Seoul office. "Moving the location of this office was carried out by BNI because of a more strategic location and the KCCI building routinely holds trade & investment forums," said Adi Sulistyowati.
South Korea is Indonesia's fifth largest trading partner with a trade volume of more than US $ 13.335 million. BNI Seoul is committed to being a mediator for Indonesian companies that have export-oriented products, especially in the MSME segment.