G20 to enhance China-Indonesia ties: Ambassador

As an important forum for cooperation among developed countries, emerging economies and developing countries, the G20 plays a key role in leading and advancing international economic cooperation, Xie Feng, the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, said in an article published on The Jakarta Post Wednesday.

Xie said that as the holder of the G20 presidency, China is keenly aware of the heavy responsibilities on its shoulders. During preparations for the G20 Hangzhou summit, China is working with all parties to pull in one direction in the spirit of a win-win partnership and to help pool wisdom and form synergy.

According to Xie, China is working to seek common solutions and contribute China's wisdom to this year's summit themed "Toward an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy".

"As an important emerging economy and a major developing country, Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian member of the G20. Under the leadership of President Jokowi, Indonesia is committed to promoting reform, development and people's livelihoods and has achieved sustained and rapid growth," Xie said.

"I am confident that with concerted efforts from all parties, the Hangzhou summit will fulfill our expectations and help build confidence and hope across the globe."

According to Xie, Indonesia plays an indispensable role in stabilizing the global economy. It has become the third-fastest growing economy among G20 members with an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent in 2015.

Statistics from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) also show that Indonesia's realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2016 increased by 12.3 percent to exceed $14 billion, including $1.01 billion from the Chinese mainland, which increased significantly by 532 percent from the same period last year, Xie wrote in the article.

"These figures demonstrate the confidence of Chinese and other international investors in Indonesia's economy. I have full confidence in Indonesia's growth prospects as well as our trade and investment cooperation."

In the article, Xie mentioned that as an active participant in previous G20 summits, Indonesia has made important and unique contributions to the reform of international financial institutions, infrastructure cooperation and global sustainable development and helped to uphold the interests of developing countries. "China and Indonesia are the two largest emerging economies in East Asia and share similar positions and broad common interests in enhancing and reforming global economic governance," he said.

"Indonesian President Jokowi will soon leave for China to attend the G20 summit and meet with President Xi. This will be President Jokowi's third visit to China and the fifth meeting between our two presidents. Such frequent high-level exchange is unprecedented in our bilateral history and demonstrates the high standards of performance of our relationship.

"The two presidents will have in-depth discussions on aligning our development strategies, enhancing practical cooperation and jointly promoting peace and prosperity in the region and beyond. Hangzhou, renowned for its rich history, is also a city of innovation," according to Xie.

"It is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctive Chinese cultural appeal and global vision. I believe President Jokowi's upcoming visit will not only help to ensure a successful G20 summit but also reinvigorate the growth of our bilateral ties," he said.