Hong Kong’s Chief Executive said that he was very grateful for the presence of Indonesian migrant workers there who have been making a major contribution to the Hong Kong economy.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo received a courtesy call from Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, and his delegation at the Merdeka Palace in capital Jakarta on Tuesday (July 25).

During the meeting, President Widodo on conveyed three things, namely those on investment, trade, and the protection of Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat said in a written statement as quoted by Indonesia Window, Wednesday.

"First, it is related to investment. The point is that the president said investment opportunities in Indonesia are very large, including the construction of a new capital city," Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said after accompanying the president at the meeting.

Some of the sectors mentioned by the head of state included those on infrastructure, transportation, digital technology, and green energy, Retno noted.

Second, with regard to trade, both parties are committed to providing facilities to reduce trade barriers because the amount of trade between Indonesia and Hong Kong is quite large.

According to Retno, in the first quarter of last year, Indonesia's trade with Hong Kong increased significantly by more than 20 percent.

The president also talked about access to several Indonesian products, including those on foods, agriculture and spices. He suggested that there be cooperation in the field of customs, which was welcomed by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive," she added.

Third, President Widodo asked for the protection of Indonesian citizens and their welfare. The number of Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong has reached more than 140,000 people and 90 percent of that number are migrant workers.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive said that they were very grateful for the presence of Indonesian migrant workers there, who have been making a major contribution to the Hong Kong economy, the foreign minister explained.

The meeting showed very strong commitment at the chief executive level and from several companies related to investment in Indonesia, the foreign minister said, adding that this was due to Indonesia's good and stable economic situation.

"They see that Indonesia's economic development is very good, continues to increase, and is very stable, thus making them decide to continue to increase economic cooperation with Indonesia," she said.

Editing by Indonesia Window