Indonesia and China have discussed the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties in the context that they are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of comprehensive strategic partnership.
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi (R) and her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang. (Source: tempo.co)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia and Chinahave discussed the importance of strengt✅hening trade and investment ties in thecontext that they are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of comprehensivestrategic 🐎partnership.
The discussion took place on February 22 within the framework of the fourth meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC) co-chaired by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs RetnoMarsudi and her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Jakarta. Speakingat a press conference, Retno said Indonesia had suggested China lift tradebarriers, adding that Indonesia is committed to continuing to open the door forChinese enterprises to generate more local jobs while enhancing greeninvestment and infrastructure cooperation. Shealso called on China to boost bilateral partnerships in health care and restoreconnectivity between the two nations, thus fostering economic links. In a reception in themorning of the same day, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Qin discussed several strategicprojects that need to be accelerated, including Jakarta-Bandung high-speedrailway, a green industrial park in Kalimantan province, the new capital cityof Nusantara, and the development of downstream industries.
Qin, for his part, affirmedChina's commitment to continue strengthening economic cooperation withIndonesia, including increasing imports from the Southeast Asian country,especially farm produce.
The Chinese side also expresseཧd its support forIndonesia's role as the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) in 2023./.
The Indonesian government held a high-level meeting with its Chinese counterpart on June 6 to discuss an agenda of cooperation in the fields of priority projects, trade, economy and investment, according to Indonesia’s national news agency Antara.
The Bank of Indonesia (BI) and the People’s Bank of China (PBC) on September 6 officially started the implementation of cooperation in the settlement of bilateral transactions with local currencies (LCS) between Indonesia and China, said BI.
Indonesia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct a feasibility study of a 560-million-US dollar coal-to-methanol plant, according to a press release from Indonesia's Industry Ministry.
Indonesia and China have agreed to collaborate to enhance the quality of vocational training of Indonesian human resources, Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah has said.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi (R) and her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang. (Source: tempo.co) 
