Receive the visit of Hong Kong’s chief executive, the president discusses investment and the protection of Indonesian citizens

President Joko Widodo received a courtesy call from Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. During the meeting, President Jokowi shared three issues regarding investment, trade and the protection of Indonesian nationals (WNI) in Hong Kong.

“First of all, regarding the issue of investment, the issue is that Mr. President said that the investment opportunities in Indonesia are very large, and Mr. President said that the opportunity is, among other things, in the construction of a new capital city. In several areas mentioned by the President, such as infrastructure, transport, digital technologyand also green energy“, said Foreign Minister (Menlu) Retno Marsudi in his statement after accompanying President Jokowi at the meeting.

Second, in terms of trade, both sides are committed to easing trade barriers because the volume of trade between Indonesia and Hong Kong is quite large. According to the foreign minister, in the first quarter of last year, Indonesia’s trade with Hong Kong grew significantly, by more than 20 percent.

“The President brokered access to a number of Indonesian products, including food, agriculture and spices. The President proposed cooperation on customs, which was welcomed by the Hong Kong CEO,” added the foreign minister.

Third, President Jokowi has entrusted the protection of Indonesian citizens and their well-being. As is known, the number of Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong has reached more than 140 thousand people, 90 percent of whom are migrant workers.

“The CEO said he was very grateful for the presence of Indonesian migrant workers there, who really made a great contribution to Hong Kong’s economy, and Mr. President passed the deposit for their protection and also for their well-being,” the foreign minister explained.

The foreign minister added that, judging from the meeting, the commitment of the CEO and several companies involved in investing in Indonesia seemed very strong. This is due to Indonesia’s considered good and stable economic situation.

“They see that Indonesia’s economic development is very good, continues to grow and is very stable. That’s why they decided to continue increasing economic cooperation with Indonesia,” he said.

In addition to the Foreign Minister, President Jokowi was also accompanied during the meeting by Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir and Minister of Investments / Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia.