Susilo concludes successful China visit
Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Shenzen
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wrapped up his trip to China on Saturday by visiting Shenzhen in the southern part of China, after sealing multibillion dollar deals with the Asian giant on investment, defense technology and education.
"The reason for visiting Shenzhen is to learn from a city that, within 25 years, has transformed itself into a center for the technology industry and transportation," he said.
"Shenzen's GDP per capita currently stands at US$7,000 and within five years that figure is expected to reach $13,000."
"We have Batam but why can't it be like Shenzhen. We have to learn to develop the system and management of an industrial estate like this."
A day earlier, members of the private sector from the two countries signed four principal agreements and three memorandums of understanding on energy and infrastructure worth more than $7 billion.
In Shenzhen, Susilo and his entourage visited Huawei Technologies Company Ltd. and Neptunus Pharmaceutical Group Company Ltd.
Huawei is a network solutions company specializing in the research, development, production and marketing of communications equipment. The company has sold its products in more than 90 countries and boasts eight regional headquarters and 55 branch offices outside of China.
Established in 1988, Huawei's 2004 sales revenue stood at $2.28 billion from its market penetration in Asia, Africa, east Europe and South America.
The firm offers wireless networks, fixed networks, optical networks, data communications, value-added telecom services and wireless terminals.
The chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Recovery Committee, Sofjan Wanandi, said the reason behind Huawei's success -- as with other Chinese products -- was low prices.
"Huawei offers cheap prices that can be as much as 30 percent below international market prices," he said.
Neptunus Pharmaceuticals, which was established in 1989, is involved in the research, manufacture and sale of prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs.
After visiting the two companies, the President and his entourage flew back home to Jakarta, arriving on Saturday afternoon.