Indonesian Minister Visits China's BYD Automobile

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Industry Agung Gumiwang Kartasasmita headed to Shenzhen, China on a 3-day visit from July 3-6, to mainly discuss the development of industrial cooperation. Minister Agus will attend the China-ASEAN Forum on Emerging Industries 2023. Various ministries from ASEAN member countries are invited to visit the BYD Automobile factory and Huawei Bantian Base.

During his visit, the minister will have a chance to open the discussion regarding potential cooperation with China’s biggest automobile manufacturer, BYD, especially in the electric vehicles sector. “This is in line with the vision to realize a greener and more sustainable ASEAN through active participation of the private sector and a coordinated resource orchestration,” Agus said in his official statement, as quoted by Tempo on Tuesday, July 4.

Minister Agus will also meet Jin Zhuanglong, China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, to discuss potential industrial collaboration development between Indonesia and China. “We will discuss the potential to collaborate in electric vehicle development, sustainable energy for a greener industry, industrial area, and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area agreement,” Agus explained.

Previously, BYD already sets its eyes to invest in Indonesia. According to the Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan spokesperson, Jodi Mahardi, the government has already sent a proposal to BYD. “Generally, the proposal we sent exceeds their expectation,” Jodi stated.

Jodi said it is the right choice for BYD to enter Indonesia’s market due to its affordability. He also mentioned that BYD’s electric car sales ranked first last year which sold 1.86 m units of cars.

However, Jodi did not reveal further information on BYD'S investment in Indonesia.

Minister Marves and BYD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Shenzhen, China on Thursday, May 25, 2023. This memorandum objected to exploring investment potentials between Indonesia and China, including electric cars. “We appreciate BYD’s initiative to explore this opportunity further. With abundant natural resources, strategic geographical location, and adequate government support, I'm sure Indonesia holds the key to developing a national electric vehicles industry,” said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

DICKY KURNIAWAN / Translator: NAJLA NUR FAUZIYAH

Editor's Choice: Investment Minister Spurs China's Fiberglass Firm to Invest in Indonesia

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News