Indonesia to share fruits of Silk Road
Updated: 2015-04-22 07:40
By Zhang Haizhou in Jakarta (China Daily)
Comments Print Mail Large Medium SmallVisa-free policy expected to attract more tourists from China for people-to-people exchanges
China welcomes Indonesia to "share the fruits" of the Maritime Silk Road, the Chinese ambassador to Indonesia said as President Xi Jinping arrived on Tuesday for his second visit to the archipelago within one and a half years.
Xie Feng, China's ambassador to Indonesia, said Beijing appreciates Jakarta's commitment to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as a founding member.
"And we are also happy to see Indonesia's application to adopt policy and financial support under the One Belt, One Road strategy," he said, noting China's 21st Maritime Silk Road initiative complements Indonesian President Joko Widodo's "maritime axis" ambition and his plans to build ocean highways.
Xie said both countries could make future efforts to step up collaboration in infrastructure, marine economy, industrial parks and agriculture.
Sitting between the Pacific and Indian oceans, connecting Asia and Oceania, Indonesia plays a strategically vital role and is a hub on the Maritime Silk Road.
Its population, landmass and GDP account for more than 40 percent of ASEAN, making it an exceptionally significant market and investment destination for China.
The archipelago is also the only Southeast Asian member of the G20 and China's largest neighbor to the southeast.
Schedule
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Pakistan and attend the Asian-African Summit and activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia from April 20 to 24.
April 22
Attend the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;
Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo;
April 23
Bilateral meetings;
Attend the closing ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;
April 24
Historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka;
Attend activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference;