"Over the past five years, we have benefited significantly from exchange programs in the fields of tourism, education, media, think tanks, youth, religion, technology, sports, and many other areas," Xiao noted at a seminar on the Five Years of Indonesia-China Comprehensive and Strategic Cooperation held here on Tuesday.
The ambassador pointed out that some 2.06 million Chinese tourists had visited Indonesia in 2017. This figure increased to some 275 percent as compared to that five years ago.
In addition, over 15 thousand Indonesian students are currently studying in China, and that number is expected to continue to increase rapidly in future, Ambassador Xiao remarked.
In the investment sector, foreign direct investment in Indonesia has rapidly increased, from some US$300 million to $3.36 billion in the last five years.
China is also the largest trading partner and has taken steps to improve the quality of Indonesian products exported to China while promoting balanced trade.
Ambassador Xiao stated that bilateral cooperation in the infrastructure sector continued to increase, such as in the construction of Jatigede Dam, Tayan Bridge, and Light Rapid Transit or LRT in Palembang, South Sumatra.
"These main projects will contribute more to Indonesia`s economic growth," he noted.
Ambassador Xiao stated that China and Indonesia also strengthened collaboration and coordination in several international and regional issues.
For instance, the two countries collaborate in supporting Palestinian independence, tackling the Rohingya issues, and maintaining security and stability in the South China Sea.
Reporting by Muhammad Razi Rahman, Libertina W Ambari
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
