President Jokowi Encourages Enhancement of ASEAN-China Cooperation
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, attends the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, virtually from the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (22/11). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)
ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China have established several concrete collaborations in the past 30 years, including in the economic sector, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
According to the President, the People’s Republic of China has become ASEAN’s largest trading partner for the past 12 years.
“The value of our trade was worth US$8.36 billion in 1991 and it reached more than US$685.28 billion last year, an 82-fold increase in less than 30 years,” the President said in his remarks at the ASEAN-China Special Summit in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, held virtually from the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (22/11).
In addition, the President continued, two-way cumulative investment has also exceeded US$310 billion over the past 30 years, making China the fourth largest source of foreign direct investments (FDI) among all ASEAN dialogue partners.
The President said that strong relations between ASEAN and China takes hard work, one of which is by building trust in order to build a stronger and mutually beneficial partnership in the next 30 years.
“This mutual trust can be realized if we all respect international law,” he said.
The President underscored that ASEAN-China partnership needs to be strengthened to make the region an economic powerhouse, adding that balanced trade is also essential to carry on.
“To that end, cooperation to support the economic transition, energy transition, and digital transition is pivotal for future cooperation,” he added.
In order to achieve the goals, the President said that ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China have a responsibility to create a peaceful and stable region.
On that occasion, the President expressed belief that there will be no prosperity without peace and stability.
“Let’s strengthen cooperation to recover together, recover stronger,” the President said.
“Congratulations on the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China relations. I am convinced that comprehensive strategic partnership will lead us to a big leap for the progress of ASEAN-China relations in the future,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MUR)
