An American consultant located in Indonesia, Harvey Goldstein serves as director of Singapore-based Business-Link Consultancy PTE LTD and president of PT Harvest International Indonesia. Harvey Goldstein also supports organizations, such as the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC), a group he formerly led as chairman.

APCAC was founded in 1968 to represent American Chambers of Commerce in the Asia-Pacific region. American businesses and employers make up its members and the organization currently oversees 29 chambers and has a membership of more than 10 million. Annually, trade under APCAC has grossed in more than $625 billion and foreign direct investments (FDIs) are estimated at $500 billion.

To further its organizational success, APCAC hosts “Doorknock” in Washington, DC every summer. The meeting gives members an opportunity to discuss policies impacting American commerce in Asia with influential government officials and leaders. In addition, members gain access to think tanks to share ideas and they are able to attend the APCAC annual board meeting.

For more information about APCAC, visit www.apcac.org. 

​Harvest International owner and founder Harvey Goldstein has decades of experience in business strategy and development. In addition to his work and philanthropic activities, he is an accomplished contributor to several books. In 1994, as the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Harvey Goldstein provided advice and contributions toward several books, including United States Investment in Indonesia and The Culture of Business in Indonesia. Also involved with a business primer titled Business in Indonesia, Mr. Goldstein has established himself as an authority on Indonesian business culture.

Successful business in Indonesia requires an understanding of the local culture and customs. As the dominant religion is Islam, knowledge of that religion’s major holidays and customs is necessary. Additionally, relationships are an important component of successful business, multiple meetings are often necessary to reach an agreement.

Friendliness and flexibility is another important factor in successful business dealings, and a commitment and frequent trips to the region is helpful in establishing trust. However, a deeper understanding of the business culture in Indonesia is essential, as there are varying populations that have different cultural viewpoints.