Ministry of Cooperatives Partners with Chinese Companies to Build Cooperative Fisheries Facilities
Jakarta—Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives has signed six memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Economic and Trade Exchange Center (SCO-ETEC) and several Chinese companies for the development of cooperative-based fisheries facilities.
Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono stated that the partnership represents a follow-up to the economic agreement between President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded last year.
“The agreement we have reached is particularly aimed at developing the potential of the fisheries and maritime sector, including the construction of supporting industries for the marine and fisheries sector,” Ferry said in a statement.
The MoU, signed in Jakarta on Thursday, encompasses the construction of various facilities such as ice plants, cold storage facilities, shipyards, and mini-scale solar power generation stations, which will be managed primarily by red-and-white village/municipal cooperatives (kopdes).
Ferry emphasised that Indonesia possesses significant maritime and fisheries potential, yet still faces extreme poverty in coastal regions. “Through this agreement, we hope to enhance the capacity of the fisheries sector and simultaneously reduce and ultimately eliminate poverty in coastal villages, particularly among Indonesian fishermen,” he said.
The minister also expressed hope that this partnership would serve as a model for developing modern, integrated, cooperative-based fisheries zones. With support from various parties including SCO-ETEC, the red-and-white village cooperatives are expected to become new economic growth centres in coastal regions.
Yang Zijun, Chairman of SCO-ETEC, expressed readiness to support the strengthening of Indonesia’s fisheries industry ecosystem. He also commended the red-and-white village cooperative programme initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
“This highly grassroots-oriented policy fills us with confidence in Indonesia’s future,” Zijun stated.
Zijun added that the partnership is expected to benefit both parties whilst strengthening the economic synergy already established. “We are prepared to gain deeper understanding of Indonesia’s investment climate and market needs, and to discuss with various parties in Indonesia regarding cooperation opportunities in the fisheries sector, industrial zones, agriculture and logistics,” he said.