President Jokowi Welcomes Hong Kong Chief Executive at Merdeka Palace
President Jokowi receives Chief Executive of Hong Kong at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (25/4). (Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat).
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday (25/4) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, received Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam, to discuss trade and economic growth issues.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita said: “We have signed the ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement and the discussion between the President and the Chief Executive is very positive. We agree to increase the value of investment and trade between Indonesia and Hong Kong.”
Enggartiasto added that Indonesia will make Hong Kong a hub for export and Chief Executive of Hong Kong also has also offered exhibition and promotion activities in Hong Kong to promote Indonesian products, including tropical food. He added that the Hong Kong Government will also invest in infrastructure development and other sectors in Indonesia.
In the meantime, Chairman of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong added that Hong Kong will also be a hub for investment and for infrastructure funding. Lembong also said that Hong Kong has many professionals including accountants, administrators, project coordinators, and risk management experts. According to him, Hong Kong has offered to assist Indonesia in developing infrastructures and increasing investment, including in terms of human resources improvement in the financial sector and investment supporting services.
On the same occasion, Minister of Manpower Hanif Dakhiri said that the President expressed his appreciation to the Hong Kong Government for improving the protection of Indonesian migrant workers and for amending regulations related to the migrant workers. Hanif added that the President asked Hong Kong to continuously improve the protection for Indonesian migrant workers.
Hanif further said that since Hong Kong is entering into aging society, the demand for caregiver is increasing and Hong Kong gives Indonesia the opportunity to provide the caregivers and the detailed agreement will be followed up by Indonesian Consulate in Hong Kong and all related parties.
The total number of foreign workers in Indonesia from various countries by the end of 2017 is 85 thousand people, while the total number of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong is 160 thousand, the Minister said.
Hanif further said that the foreign workers in Indonesia are still under control. Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong, according to the Minister, significanty outnumbered 24 thousand Chinese workers in Indonesia.
Joining the President at the meeting were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Secretary of State Pratikno, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Manpower Hanif Dhakiri, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, and Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong. (DND/RSF/RAH/EN) (RI/EP/Naster)
