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)