Jakarta, IO – Bilateral relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China are strong and long-lasting. Economically, the PRC is one of Indonesia’s largest trade partners. What is more, in the past year alone, the PRC has invested no less than USD 8.2 billion into Indonesia, thus becoming the second-biggest foreign investor into our economy. The total trade value of the two countries in 2022 also hit the highest mark in history, at USD 133 billion, an increase of over 20% compared to that of the previous year.
“We are here to commemorate an important milestone in the RI-PRC bilateral relations, as well as to reiterate the importance of the economic cooperation between the two countries,” declared Coordinating Minister of the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, in the Reception of the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the Peoples Republic of China held in Jakarta, Wednesday (20/09/2023).
The Honorable Ambassador of China to Indonesia hosted the event. He warmly welcomed all attending guests, including honored guests the RI Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investments Affair, RI Minister of Defense, RI Minister of Transportation, United Arab Emirate Minister of Energy, and RI Senators. This future-looking cooperation underlines the importance of Indonesia-China cooperation in development, and the importance of the partnership to the economy of both nations. Both China and Indonesia are committed to maintain this vital partnership for mutual benefit.
In his welcoming speech, Coordinating Minister Airlangga emphasized the importance of maintaining the spirit behind the relations between the two countries. The Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has run for ten years, is extremely important for both China and Indonesia. The bilateral cooperation between the two has expanded to include infrastructure construction, environmentally-friendly industry and a digital economy. “To illustrate our mutual commitment to the digital economy, I am glad to report that the Chinese Minister of Trade and I have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for digital economy and e-commerce cooperation,” he said.
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This Memorandum of Understanding serves as the basis of a joint exploration for businesses in both countries, when integrating Artificial Intelligence technology into daily business, increasing commercial circulation, optimizing transportation systems, strengthening digital finance and upgrading digital health services. Coordinating Minister Airlangga went on to express the appreciation of the Indonesian Government towards China’s support of the ASEAN Outlook in the Indo-Pacific region, a joint effort to achieve prosperity and stability in the region, especially during Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN this year.
“To sum up, let me again express my sincere thanks for this great opportunity, which also marks the 74th year of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. May our partnership continue to grow, to bring prosperity, stability and opportunities for citizens of both Indonesia and China,” Coordinating Minister Airlangga said. (*/ekon)