Anwar Hafid's Mission to Hainan Aims to Secure Economic Future for Central Sulawesi
The Governor of Central Sulawesi, Anwar Hafid, has begun establishing economic diplomacy channels with Hainan Province, China, as part of an effort to strengthen Central Sulawesi’s strategic position within the economic map of Eastern Indonesia. This move is aimed at expanding investment opportunities and encouraging the emergence of new economic growth drivers based on the region’s flagship potential.
The mission is not merely intended to strengthen inter-regional relations but is also focused on opening broader economic access for the people and business actors in Central Sulawesi. The region’s natural resource potential serves as the primary driver for establishing communication and bilateral cooperation with Hainlar.
Meetings between the two regions took place in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, in an atmosphere described as warm and productive, with several strategic sectors discussed in an effort to establish long-term collaboration. Anwar Hafid stated that exploring cooperation opportunities in China is a step towards unlocking greater economic growth for Central Sulawesi, with various investment and partnership possibilities discussed during the agenda.
“We certainly discussed many cooperation opportunities that have a direct impact on the community’s economy. Hainan and Central Sulawesi share similar natural landscapes; therefore, this bilateral relationship is being pursued so that various new economic opportunities can emerge for Central Sulawesi,” said Anwar Hafid on Saturday (23/5/2026).
This diplomatic move coincides with Central Sulawesi’s economic achievements, which continue to show a positive trend. In the first quarter of 2026, the region recorded an annual economic growth rate of 8.32 per cent year-on-year. This figure places Central Sulawesi as one of the regions with the highest and most consistent economic growth rates in Indonesia, an achievement seen as demonstrating an increasingly strong economic foundation.
Anwar Hafid noted that the shared characteristics of the tropical regions between Central Sulawesi and Hainan could serve as important capital in building mutually beneficial relations, as the geographical similarities are believed to accelerate cooperation development across various sectors.
Several potential sectors projected for collaboration between the two regions include agriculture, fisheries, investment, industrial development, education, and the strengthening of human resource quality. These fields are considered to hold significant opportunities for future development.
“Central Sulawesi and Hainan are both located in tropical regions and share similar geographical characteristics. This is great capital for building mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Anwar Hafid.
This diplomatic mission is expected to not only expand inter-regional relations but also bring direct benefits to the community, increase investment, open new economic opportunities, and accelerate development, further strengthening Central Sulawesi’s position as one of the new economic powers in Eastern Indonesia.