Minister for Trade and Industry, Niall Blair this week met with cochlear implant recipients in Jakarta at the Cochlear Training and Experience Centre (CTEC), as part of a trade mission to Indonesia.

The centre was established in Jakarta by NSW Cochlear to help bring the gift of hearing to millions of Indonesians. Cochlear has maintained its leading position over the past 35 years because of its ongoing commitment to innovation.

Mr Blair said it was a great opportunity to see first-hand the wonderful work this Sydney company is doing here in Indonesia as it helps to bring the miracle of sound to residents of all ages who suffer from hearing impairments. 

“The ability to hear is something most us take for granted. To see the joy and freedom these implants have bought to Indonesians is very special,” Mr Blair said.

“Cochlear is a trailblazer for Australian medical innovators on the world stage. They’re not only pushing boundaries in the innovation space but they’re also making sure we have well trained and skilled specialists on the ground.

“The work being done here in Indonesia brings great pride to me not only as the Minister for Trade but also as a fellow Australian.

“NSW has the biggest medical technology industry in Australia and we are in a strong position to continue to harness new export opportunities.”

This Sunday, 25 February marks the start of Hearing Awareness Week and International Cochlear Implant Day which make it a pertinent time to recognise the important work that centres like the CTEC do.

NSW Cochlear now holds over two-thirds of the worldwide hearing implant market. In the last financial year alone they sold more than 32,000 implants.

The NSW medical technology industry made a total economic contribution to the NSW economy of $2 billion in 2016-2017 and employs approximately 7000 people.

"NSW Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair this week visiting a centre established in Jakarta by Sydney hearing technology company Cochlear to help millions of Indonesians with hearing loss"