China Key Source of Investment in Asia Amid Global Uncertainty: Kalla
Jakarta. China plays a key role as a source of investment in Asia, amid prolonged uncertainty in the world caused by, among others, the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union and the surprising victory of controversial businessman Donald Trump as president of the United States, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.
Kalla's chief advisor, Sofjan Wanandi, said during a meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng, the vice president highlighted that Indonesia and other Asian countries "can no longer depend on the United States, especially with regard to investment," and other economic matters.
Sofjan quoted Kalla, who is also a businessman, as saying that Indonesia and fellow Asian nations should forge stronger cooperation with major economies in the region, such as China, Japan and South Korea.
Xie met Kalla at his office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (08/06) to bid him farewell after serving as ambassador to Indonesia since June 2014.
Kalla reiterated a remark he made during a keynote speech at the Asia-Euro Policy Forum on Wednesday. The vice president said policy makers, venture philanthropists, impactful investors, social entrepreneurs and other key players in the social enterprise sector in Asia should join hands in response to the prolonged uncertainty resulting from Brexit and Trump's victory.
Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Xie expressed hope for continued good cooperation between Indonesia and China. This includes maritime cooperation and infrastructure projects involving Chinese investors, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project.
"I'm very happy that in the last three years, cooperation between Indonesia and China has increased rapidly. State officials have agreed with the initiation of a Maritime Silk Road, which serves as an opportunity for us to broaden our cooperation for the benefit of the people," Xie told reporters, referring to the ancient trade route, which passed through the South China Sea.
The ambassador also held an official farewell function at Shangri La Hotel in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.
Indonesia is reportedly seeking to draw up to $28 billion in investment from Chinese investors for hundreds of projects proposed during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on May 14-15.
Indonesia has proposed North Sulawesi, North Sumatra and North Kalimantan – the provinces nearest to the Maritime Silk Road – as investment destinations under the initiative driven by the Chinese government.
Xie said the One Belt, One Road initiative – which aims to strengthen economic cooperation and connectivity between Asian countries with close ties to China – could also bring positive benefits to Indonesia.
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