"China has indeed become a major trading partner of Indonesia in various sectors, but there are still many sectors in which cooperation can be established with the country," Panjaitan remarked here on Tuesday.
He made the statement at the Indonesia-China Export Forum also attended by Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia Djauhari Oratmangun, as well as Director General of the Ministry of Trade`s National Export Development Arlinda.
Panjaitan remarked that Indonesia had witnessed massive infrastructure development in five years, and the development was not concentrated in Java alone but also outside it.
The infrastructure development includes airports, seaports, electricity, toll roads, and non-toll roads.
The massive infrastructure development is carried out by the government to facilitate access to transportation that ultimately drives the national economy.
Several Chinese entrepreneurs have already invested significantly in Indonesia, such as in the power generation, mining, and trade sectors.
Regarding complaints by some businessmen about the difficulty faced with regard to business licenses in several regions in Indonesia, Panjaitan said it should not have happened, but now the bureaucratic atmosphere must change, for instance, the services.
"I received complaints from many businessmen a few days ago about the business barriers. I immediately contacted the minister about what was the problem and asked that there be no further obstacles, and if possible, changes should be made," Panjaitan revealed.
In the meantime, Ambassador Djauhari said that this was the right time to improve bilateral relations between Indonesia and China, especially with the signing of the two countries` Strategic Cooperation.
Several areas of potential for both countries can be increased and cooperation can forged in trade, tourism, and investment.
"Indonesia can be an important global partner for Chinese entrepreneurs. Hence, an export forum is expected to improve economic relations between the two countries," Ambassador Djauhari stated.
He said the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing and Indonesian representative offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong are ready to help Chinese entrepreneurs keen on exploring business opportunities in Indonesia.
Reporting by Ahmad Wijaya
Editing by Otniel, Rahmad
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
