JAKARTA - The Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) has signed a memorandum of understanding or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for national strategic cooperation with the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Economic and Trade Exchange Center (SCO-ETEC) or the Economic and Trade Exchange Center of the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Shanghai Cooperation Organization related to strengthening the ecosystem of the fisheries industry and people's economy based on cooperatives.
Minister of Cooperatives (Menkop) Ferry Juliantono explained that the signing of the cooperation was a follow-up to agreements in various sectors, especially in the economic sector between President Prabowo Subianto and President Xi Jinping last year. Cooperation in the economic sector focuses on the development of the fisheries and maritime sector through cooperatives.
"The agreement we have made is specifically in the context of developing the potential of the fisheries and maritime sector, including the development of supporting industries for the maritime and fisheries sectors," said Ferry, quoted Friday, March 12.
He added that there were six types of memorandums of understanding that were carried out by both parties, all of which were related to efforts to optimize the existence of cooperatives in order to increase economic potential in the fisheries and maritime sectors.
The six types of MoUs include the Mou for the Development of Solar Power Plants for Cooperatives, the MoU for the Ice Plant and Cold Storage Project Based on Cooperatives, the MoU for the Development of Modern Fish Warehouses, the MoU for the Empowerment of Shipyards Managed by Cooperatives, the MoU for the Establishment and Improvement of Institutional Capacity and Development of Cooperative Business in the Fisheries Sector, then the MoU for Synergy Development and Empowerment of Cooperatives in the Fisheries Sector.
Furthermore, SCO-ETEC together with Chinese company partners will support the development of vital facilities such as ice factories, cold storage, shipyards, to mini-scale solar power plants, especially those to be managed by the Red and White Village/Village Cooperative (Kopdes/Kel).
He emphasized that Indonesia has enormous marine and fisheries potential with more than two thirds of the area in the form of oceans. On the other hand, the fisheries sector has a very important role in supporting food security, strengthening the national economy, and improving the welfare of coastal communities.
However, Indonesia is faced with extreme poverty, especially in coastal areas which are maritime-based food storage areas. Therefore, there needs to be a sustainable effort to optimize the potential of these natural resources so that the problem of poverty can be eliminated.
"With this signing, we hope to increase the potential of fishing capacity and at the same time reduce or even eliminate poverty in coastal villages, especially fishermen in Indonesia," he said.
Ferry said his party was fully committed to overseeing the implementation of this cooperation so that it could run effectively. He hopes that the synergy between the Ministry of Cooperatives and the SCO-ETEC can become an important momentum to strengthen the position of cooperatives as a driving force for the people's economy. With the support of technology and investment from SCO-ETEC, cooperatives are expected to be able to increase the competitiveness of the Indonesian fisheries sector.
"Through this cooperation, we encourage the transfer of knowledge, technology and expansion of market access for products developed by cooperatives and products developed outside cooperatives," he said.
He also hopes that this cooperation can become a model for the development of a modern and integrated cooperative-based fisheries area, which can be replicated in various other areas. With the support of various parties including SCO-ETEC, the Red and White Village/Neighborhood Cooperative is expected to become a new center of economic growth in coastal areas.
"On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, we are grateful and hope that this cooperation can run as well as possible," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the General Chairman of CO-ETEC, Yang Zijun said he was ready to support the strengthening of the ecosystem of the fisheries industry and the people's economy, especially in the maritime sector. He also appreciated the national strategic program from President Prabowo Subianto who initiated the Red and White Village / Village Cooperative program.
According to Yang, the Village Cooperative program is one of the people's programs that will have a positive impact on improving the welfare of the people, especially in the villages in the future. "This very people-oriented policy makes us full of confidence in the future of Indonesia," said Yang.
He added that through the MoU that has been carried out, it is certain to provide benefits for both countries and also strengthen the synergies and cooperation that have been carried out between the two countries. His party is also ready to conduct further exploration to expand bilateral cooperation that has been well established.
"We are ready to understand more deeply about the investment climate and market needs in Indonesia and discuss with various parties in Indonesia about the opportunities for cooperation in the fields of fisheries, industrial areas, agriculture and logistics," he said.
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