Indonesia and China strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperation
On April 22, at a meeting on the sidelines of the Asian-African Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to a joint press release, President Widodo and President Xi Jinping shared views on promoting bilateral relations in broader areas and at a deeper level. The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination of actions, practical cooperation, experience exchange, and promote maritime cooperation towards common development and shared prosperity.
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| Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Asian-African Summit. (Source: Antaranews.com) |
Economically, China and Indonesia aim to increase two-way trade to 150 billion USD by 2020, reduce tariffs and other trade barriers, and increase the exchange of trade delegations.
China is currently Indonesia's largest trading partner with trade turnover reaching 48.23 billion USD in 2014. China is also one of the 8 largest foreign investors in Indonesia with 501 projects worth 800 million USD in 2014.
The two countries also agreed to more effectively implement the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA), which was signed in 2009 and extended for another three years in October 2013. President Widodo and President Xi Jinping agreed to facilitate the use of their respective national currencies to promote two-way trade and investment.
In addition, China reaffirmed its active participation in Indonesia's infrastructure and communications development, and is willing to provide financial support for related projects in various forms.
The two sides agreed to use their strengths to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in industries such as steel, power generation, shipbuilding, etc. In addition, the two leaders also encouraged Chinese and Indonesian citizens to travel between the two countries.
Indonesia has proposed to achieve the target of 10 million two-way tourists per year by 2020./.
According to VNA
