Shanghai (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced support for China’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, with a special focus on advancing digital transformation in the region.

“We will definitely put effort into backing the pillars of cooperation promoted by China. Indonesia is particularly determined to spotlight priorities related to inclusive digital transformation,” Asia-Pacific and Africa Director General Santo Darmosumarto told ANTARA in Beijing on Tuesday (May 19).

Speaking after attending the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Shanghai on May 18-19, he highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure digital transformation delivers benefits to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses run by women and youths.

He said Indonesia aims to leverage APEC initiatives to “help empower MSMEs and increase participation of women and youths in Indonesia’s economy.”

“MSMEs play a vital role in national economic resilience, contributing around 60 percent to GDP and absorbing nearly 97 percent of the workforce,” he noted.

The official noted that Indonesia also voiced concerns regarding the resilience and security of global supply chains, pointing to potential disruptions stemming from tensions in the Middle East.

He further stated that Indonesia aims to translate the norms and priorities discussed within APEC into concrete cooperation, programs, and projects that deliver tangible benefits to its people.

“In this way, we can expect Indonesia’s stronger participation in APEC agendas as major powers appear to undermine the progress achieved, especially when it comes to trade system openness and a rule-based trade system,” he remarked.

Indonesia, he continued, seeks to use APEC mechanisms to promote free trade and investment while contributing to regional economic growth.

“It is true that efforts are underway to make APEC beneficial to the business community, driven by business interests. This reflects Indonesia’s principal stance on APEC,” he concluded.

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