Participating In Jokowi's Visit To China, PT Perikanan Indonesia Strengthens The Fisheries Sector Through Business Cooperation

Photo: Doc. PT Perikanan Indonesia

JAKARTA - PT Perikanan Indonesia, members of ID FOOD are increasingly strengthening the fisheries sector by attracting 3 Chinese companies to the Indonesia-China Business Forum which will be held in Beijing, the People's Republic of China (RRT), Monday (16-17 October 2023).

Witnessed directly by President Joko Widodo, PT Perikanan Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding with Zhejiang Ocean Fisheries Co., Ltd and China Sam Enterprise Group Limited regarding the planned measurable cooperation in fishing operations, as well as with Shanghai Seafirm Co., Ltd related to the development of an integrated fishery product business.

"We hope for full support from the Government for the fisheries sector in Indonesia. As the only SOE in the fisheries sector, PT Perikanan Indonesia is ready to contribute more for the advancement of the fisheries sector in Indonesia," said President Director of PT Perikanan Indonesia Sigit Muhartono, Tuesday, October 17, after signing before President Joko Widodo and Deputy Maritime Resources of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment Firman Hidayat.

Along with this collaboration, Sigit added, PT Perikanan Indonesia is targeting exports to China of US$28 million by 2024. This target is calculated from the production capacity of 18 branch offices and units of PT Perikanan Indonesia which have a Fish Processing and Trading portfolio.

PT Perikanan Indonesia juga telah memiliki captive market seafood di China dengan Freshippo (Alibaba Group) dan Vanguard. Kedua buyer ini adalah retail terbesar nomor 1 dan 2 di China dengan penjualan seafood 3,8 miliar dolar AS per tahun. Untuk menangkap peluang tersebut, PT Perikanan Indonesia akan menjajapi secara serius kemungkinan memiliki kantor perwakilan di China. Hal ini bertujuan untuk penerapan pasar yang lebih besar dengan range yang lebih luas di China.

Regarding business activities that are currently being carried out, according to Sigit, PT Perikanan Indonesia has a vital and strategic role in the sustainability of the national fisheries business from upstream to downstream. This opportunity is achieved by maximizing the huge fishery potential, namely 12 million tons of fish catch per year,

"With this great potential, PT Perikanan Indonesia continues to boost exports of fishery products to increase tax revenue and dividends for the country. Our export maps are spread across several countries including USA, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan," he explained.

Sigit continued, PT Perikanan Indonesia manages fishery ports and processes, produces and markets fishery products for both domestic and international markets. In addition, this company also manages fish feed factories to supply the needs of fishermen.

The Indonesia-China Business Forum is a series of Belt and Road Initiative events that directly bring together President Joko Widodo and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Belt and Road Initiave is a Chinese investment program in infrastructure development programs around the world. This massive investment has reached more than 150 countries, including Indonesia. Projects under this initiative include the high-speed Jakarta-Bandung orASH trains that have been launched worth US$7.3 billion.

President Joko Widodo was present during a bilateral visit to meet with President Xi Jinping on Beijing's 3rd Belt and Road Initial. In addition, President Joko Widodo also met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Chairman of the Chinese Parliament Chao Leqi.

During his visit, President Joko Widodo who was accompanied by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment ad interim as well as Minister of SOEs Erick Thohir, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung discussed 3 important priority issues related to the two countries, including increasing Indonesia's exports, increasing investment and developing food security.