In a statement received here on Monday, Eko Cahyanto, director general of resilience, regions, and international industry access (KPAII) at the Industry Ministry, said that the MoU is expected to serve as a new milestone in bilateral relations between Indonesia and Hong Kong.
"We are optimistic of it (MoU) bringing about sustainable benefits to both parties and encouraging stronger economic growth in the future," he added.
The MoU was signed by Cahyanto and Margaret Fong, executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKDTC). The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Trade, Jerry Sambuaga.
During the signing of both parties' first-ever industrial MoU, the Hong Kong delegation, comprising 25 delegates, was led by Peter K.N. Lam, the chairperson of HKDTC.
Indonesia and Hong Kong have been exploring industrial cooperation opportunities since 2019 by involving players in the agriculture, textile, jewelry, as well as information and communication technology industries.
Cahyanto expressed the hope that the cooperation will encourage Indonesia and Hong Kong to collaborate on conducting investment promotion activities and holding exhibitions in Hong Kong with the hope of expanding opportunities for small and medium industry players.
"The facts of Indonesia being the largest economy in ASEAN and Hong Kong being one of the gateways to access Chinese and global markets constitute an essential point in boosting economic and trade cooperation in East Asia as well as the world," he pointed out.
Cahyanto further noted that both parties have continued to enjoy strengthened bilateral relations and increased industrial synergy.
Earlier on July 26, 2023, Deputy Minister Sambuaga said that Hong Kong has become a solid partner for Indonesia.
"The total value of trade between Indonesia and Hong Kong reached US$2.1 billion during the January–March 2023 period," he noted during an MoU signing ceremony, entitled "Indonesia-Hong Kong: Partnering for Success," which was held in Jakarta the same day.
He also expressed the belief that Hong Kong, in turn, will recognize Indonesia as one of the vital players in the world.
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Translator: Ade Irma, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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