RI-China join forces in investment and industry

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 03/23/2009 10:13 AM

Indonesia and China have on Monday agreed to enhance cooperation in investment and the industrial sector.

"The cooperation between Indonesia and China, particularly the Jilin province, is, among others, in matters of the economy and development," Industry Minister Fahmi Idris said, as quoted by Antara newswire.

Idris is currently in Jilin province to officiate the opening of a cooperation forum sponsored by the Industry Ministry.

According to kompas.com, the forum is the fourth initiative to be held between the two parties. A Memorandum of Understanding on research and industry development was also signed at the ceremony.

"In trade, China is Indonesia's most important partner and Jilin province is among the provinces well-known for its technology and industry," Idris said.

Meanwhile, Jilin province deputy governor Chen Weigen said that the current global economic downturn should lead countries to support one another in alleviating the crisis.

"Particularly since China and Indonesia's relations continues to progress since 2005, especially in strategic partnership terms," Weigen argued.

Indonesia's import of Chinese non-gas products constitutes 15.28 percent of the country's total non-gas import between January and November last year.

Indonesia's total non-fuel and gas export to China reportedly constitutes 7.35 percent of the country's total export abroad.

Indonesia's current prime export market for non-fuel and gas products is still held by Japan, which constitutes 12.66 percent of the country's total non-fuel and gas exports. (amr)