Coordinating Minister Airlangga Wants RI-China Partnership To Continue To Develop

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government through the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed the desire that partnerships with China can continue to develop and bring prosperity, stability and opportunities for the people of the two countries.

"Hopefully our partnership will continue to develop, bring prosperity, stability, and opportunities for the people of Indonesia and China," said Airlangga at the Reception of The 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Thursday, September 21.

Airlangga reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Indonesian economy and China, marked by bilateral relations between the two countries that have been going on closely for a long time. China is also one of Indonesia's largest trading and investment partners.

In 2022, China's investment value reached 8.2 billion US dollars and became the second highest ranking in Indonesia. The total trade between the two countries in 2022 also reached the highest figure in history with a value of around 133 billion US dollars, an increase of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Airlangga emphasized the importance of a spirit of building strong and lasting relations between the two countries. Indonesia and China's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has been running for ten years, means very important for both countries. Bilateral cooperation between the two countries is also growing, such as in the fields of infrastructure development, environmentally friendly industries and the digital economy.

"As an illustration of our commitment to the digital economy, I am happy to convey that the Minister of Trade of China and I recently signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the digital economy and e-Commerce," said Airlangga.

The Memorandum of Understanding is the basis for joint exploration between companies of the two countries in integrating artificial intelligence technology (Artificial Intelligence), increasing commercial circulation, optimizing transportation systems, strengthening digital finance, and advancing digital health services.

The Indonesian government, said Airlangga, remains committed to fostering partnerships so that it continues to produce results for mutual gain.

Airlangga also expressed his appreciation from the Government of Indonesia to China for China's support for the ASEAN Outlook in the Indo-Pacific, especially during the Indonesian Chairmanship in ASEAN in 2023 and in a joint effort to achieve prosperity and stability in the region.