Interview: Upgrade of China-ASEAN FTA to create abundant industrial cooperation opportunities, says business leader

JAKARTA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, which was formally signed on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will create abundant market and industrial cooperation opportunities for enterprises from both sides as well as countries around the world, Garibaldi Thohir, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's China Committee, told Xinhua recently.

"For ASEAN members like Indonesia, it surely will enhance competitiveness, attract sustainable investment, and strengthen regional integration under an open, rules-based framework," he said.

Thohir noted that the protocol incorporates new areas such as the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity. Digital transformation and green growth are the core of Indonesia's development agenda, and achieving the 2060 net-zero target will depend on partnerships in clean energy and electric mobility. Those are aligned with China's strategic priorities, he said.

In the digital economy, collaboration can include e-commerce platforms, AI-driven logistics, and digital payment ecosystems that empower SMEs and reduce transaction costs, he added.

In the green economy, Indonesia seeks to learn from China's expertise in renewable energy technologies, EV supply chains, and green financing frameworks, he said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework creates new momentum for Indonesia-China cooperation, particularly for SMEs. By simplifying customs procedures and promoting e-commerce and digital trade, RCEP allows Indonesian businesses greater access to regional value chains, said Thohir.

Indonesia and China share mutual strengths and aspirations among sectors including green energy, digital economy, downstream mineral processing, and sustainable agriculture, he said, adding that the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project will serve as an industrial connector and trade accelerator, providing a new platform for investment, technology exchange, and industrial cooperation that further links Indonesia's resource strengths with China's manufacturing and innovation capacity.

Regarding the upcoming eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Thohir said SMEs are the backbone of Indonesia's economy, and the CIIE provides a rare opportunity for them to integrate into the global trade ecosystem.

"We believe that Indonesia-China cooperation is not only mutually beneficial but also serves as a foundation for regional stability and progress," he said.

This strong partnership reflects not only deep economic ties between the two sides, but also the transformative role of platforms like the CIIE, he added. ■