Susilo concludes successful China visit
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.