In the meeting at the Drawing Room in the Government House, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong.
"I hailed the MoU to strengthen the protection of Indonesian migrant workers," he stated.
He noted that some 172,826 Indonesians were currently living in Hong Kong and who have contributed to the economy of the administrative region.
He thanked the Hong Kong leader who had so far protected his citizens. "I thank you for all your efforts in protecting the Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong. I believe you will continue to give attention and protection to our citizens," he told the Hong Kong chief executive.
Chun-Ying said that Indonesia was Hong Kongs important partner and so he hoped the relations could be deepened further to not only include the relations between the governments and between the businesses but also between the people.
He stated that trade and investment would also be sectors that need to be further developed in view of Hong Kongs position as a hub which is linked to China and the world.
He expressed Hong Kong governments commitment to step up its attention and protection to Indonesian migrant workers.
"Workers from Indonesia are part of our community," he reiterated.
Widodo said that with regard to trade and investment, Hong Kong was Indonesias fourth biggest foreign investor at present.
Hong Kongs investment in Indonesia is recorded at US$2.25 billion in 2016, twice the value in 2015, which was recorded at $691.2 million.
"The Indonesian government will continue to improve the business climate, and in view of that, I hope you would encourage your business sector to invest in the infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including outside Java," he remarked.
The value of trade between Indonesia and Hong Kong increased from $3.87 billion in 2015 to $3.91 billion in 2016.
President Jokowi, as he is also called, hoped the establishment of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta would contribute to increase trade transactions and investment between Indonesia and Hong Kong, including investment from Hong Kongs creative industrial sector.
"I also hailed the achievement of ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement, which will be signed by economic ministers of ASEAN and Hong Kong in the second semester this year," he revealed.
Jokowi also hailed the signing of a MoU on culture.
"I am convinced the deal to strengthen the cooperation in arts and culture, increase mutual understanding in friendly relations between our countries," he noted.
After witnessing the signing of a joint statement on cooperation in manpower between foreign minister Retno Marsudi and Hong Kongs Labor Secretary, Jokowi also witnessed the signing of a MoU in the field of culture by education and culture minister Muhadjir Effendy and Hong Kongs secretary for home affairs.
Jokowi was flanked by Marsudi, Effendy, and cabinet secretary Pramono Anung at the meeting. ***4***
Reported by Hanni Sofia Soepardi
(H-YH/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
