Hence, Indonesia always takes part in business events, such as international trade fair and investment, where it can promote its products and investment potentials.
The China-ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO), held on September 12-15, 2018, and the recently concluded China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) are two business events that Indonesia will not let go without participation.
This is since Indonesia is doing its best to attract investors from CIFIT held in Xiamen, China, on September 8-11, 2018, and to promote its products through the 15th CAEXPO 2018.
According to Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun, CIFIT is an event that holds potential during which Indonesia can attract investors.
"Last year, some 120 thousand people had visited the fair, with about five thousand firms showcasing their products. This year, the fair is forecast to be attended by more visitors and companies, so it is very strategic for us to attract investors," Djauhari Oratmangun noted in Beijing on Tuesday (Sept 11).
The Xiamen fair, held in Fujian Province, also organize an international investment seminar and business forum at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center.
During the investment seminar, Thomas Lembong, head of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), stated that the biggest threat currently is excessive dependence on the US dollar.
He noted that the dependence has placed a heavy financial burden on developing countries that contribute 60 percent to the world`s economic growth.
Hence, the BKMP chief has urged developing countries to diversify their investment, trade, and tourism to avoid the adverse effects of the US dollar and take other currencies, such as pound sterling, euro, yen, and renminbi or yuan.
According to Lembong, Indonesia shares a sound relationship with China. Essentially, Indonesia, a country with 260 million people, has the fourth-largest population in the world, of which 60 percent are those under the age of 30 years. It is the 16th-largest economy, with gross domestic product above Rp1 trillion and economic growth above five percent.
"We are ready to develop further cooperation with China and various countries in the world to support each other," Lembong remarked.
Regarding its exports to China, Indonesia, through its Ministry of Trade, is intensifying the penetration of export markets in China.
One of the efforts to showcase its potential of superior products and the typical culture of the archipelago on the global stage is through the international exhibition "The 15th CAEXPO 2018."
"The Ministry of Trade`s participation in CAEXPO is one of the efforts to increase market access to China as an export destination country," Director General of National Export Development of the Ministry of Trade Arlinda stated through a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to Arlinda, Indonesia`s regular participation in CAEXPO is a commitment to establish trade cooperation with China and other ASEAN countries.
The exhibition themed "Jointly Building The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Forging A China-ASEAN Community of Innovation" was held on September 12-15, 2018, at the International Convention and Exhibition, Nanning, China.
This year, Indonesia presents the Commodity Pavilion and the National Pavilion. The Commodity Pavilion, covering an area of 2,160 square meters, was followed by 66 Indonesian businessmen featuring products including furniture; food and beverages; fashion; accessories and jewelry; home decor and consumer goods; herbal and beauty products; and spas.
The National Pavilion raised the province of West Sumatra to become the City of Charm of Indonesia to promote Indonesian cultural diversity. West Sumatra has tourism, economic, and investment potential. The tourism potential offered includes marine tourism, cultural tourism, and environmental tourism.
Earlier, at CAEXPO 2017, Indonesia had managed to record transactions worth US$2.61 million and was attended by 52 people and visited by more than 20 thousand people.
Indonesia experienced a deficit trade balance with China which almost all came from the non-oil and gas sector amounting to $12.68 billion.
Indonesia`s non-oil and gas exports to China amounted to $21.35 billion, while Indonesia`s non-oil and gas imports from China amounted to $35.51 billion.
The development of Indonesia`s non-oil and gas exports to China during the 2013-2017 period was recorded down 0.78 percent.
China is the biggest non-oil and gas export destination for Indonesia in 2017. China is also the third-largest investor in Indonesia, with an investment value of $3.36 billion.
Indonesia`s non-oil and gas exports to China amounted to $21.35 billion, while Indonesia`s non-oil and gas imports from China amounted to $35.51 billion.
The development of Indonesia`s non-oil and gas exports to China in 2013-2017 was recorded down 0.78 percent.
China is the biggest non-oil and gas export destination for Indonesia in 2017. China is also the third-largest investor in Indonesia, with an investment value of $3.36 billion.
Indonesia`s main non-oil and gas export products to China include coal, palm oil, processed wood powder, and copper.
The largest non-oil and gas import products from China include telephone components; automatic digital data processing machines in portable form; and components used for radio transmissions, radar, radio navigation, and modems for television.
(A014/INE)
Reporter: Andi Abdussalam
Editor: Bustanuddin
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
