RI-China investment and trade ties to be discussed

RI-China investment and trade ties to be discussed

JAKARTA (JP): A two-day seminar here later this month will
discuss opportunities in trade and investment relations between
Indonesia and China, two densely populated countries which
normalized diplomatic relations four years ago.

Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto is
expected to open the seminar, which is organized by the
Association of Indonesia-China Economic, Social and Cultural
Cooperation in cooperation with Yayasan Economica of the
University of Indonesia.

The association's secretary general, Mohammad Taha, said here
yesterday that the conference will be held at the Sari Pan
Pacific Hotel here from Aug. 25 to Aug. 26.

The conference will feature, among others, State Minister of
Investment/Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)
Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo, Chinese Ambassador Qian Yongnian, the
chairman of the association, Sukamdani S. Gitosardjono, and an
economist of the Center for International and Strategic Studies
(CSIS), Mari Pangestu, as speakers.

Taha said the speakers are expected to propose new steps to
promote trade and investment relations between the two
countries.

"The conference is a good start for Indonesia's companies in
exploring new business opportunities with their counterparts in
China," he said.

He conceded that China has a competitive edge in industrial
technologies for petrochemical, fertilizer and textile
industries, mining and agriculture.

According to BKPM, China's commitments of investments in
Indonesia during the period from 1967 to Feb. 15 of this year
reached US$70.1 million for the development of 19 projects.(fhp)