Trade value between Indonesia and China was down by 20 percent year-on-year to $11.7 billion in the first half this year. The trade value reduction in the first half this year was due to the impact of global economic crisis and was the first to occur since 2001.

The trade value between the two countries apparently increased 37.2 percent in the second quarter this year, compared with the number in the first quarter. It is regarded as a sign of recovery.

The trade value between Indonesia and China is expected to reach $30 billion in 2010. But surprisingly we learned that the trade value has reached $31.5 billion in 2008, a sign of mammoth growth in the two countries, don’t you think so?

Indonesia is now regarded as China’s fourth largest trade partner among the ten countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Some 700 Chinese investors already invested in energy, finance, transportation, automotive, farming and fisheries. Chinese investment in non-financial sector has reached $100 million in the first half this year, or 3.6 times higher than it was in the corresponding period last year.

It is expected that the cooperation between the delegations and the Indonesian ministry would support the bilateral investment and trade ties. I believe it will provide mutual benefit for the two parties.

The ASEAN-China free trade pact, that will commence early next year, will pave the way for Indonesian commodities to enter the lucrative Chinese market.

Congrats, Indonesia!

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