An online promotional event was held on April 28 to attract Indonesian companies to participate in the fifth China International Import Expo that will take place in November in Shanghai.

Many Indonesian specialties such as coffee, edible bird's nests and jewelry have been well received by Chinese consumers after they were showcased at the CIIE, said Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau at the event.

The CIIE provides an excellent opportunity for Indonesian companies to get publicity, increase exports, and establish connections with governments and enterprises in China and other countries, said Sudrajat, president of the Indonesia-China Association of Economic, Social and Cultural Cooperation.

The Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association and Indonesia China Business Council said they will organize Indonesian companies to attend the fifth expo and help them expand cooperation with Chinese partners and explore global markets.

Shi Ziming, minister-counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, said the economic and trade ties between the two countries have become closer despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Bilateral trade between China and Indonesia reached a record high of $124.4 billion in 2021, while the figure for the first quarter of 2022 stood at $32.7 billion, up 30.8 percent year-on-year.

Expo staff also gave a presentation on the food and agricultural products and consumer goods exhibition areas to more than 130 company representatives at the promotional event. Officials from Shanghai Customs explained favorable policies that CIIE exhibitors will get to enjoy.

By Zhao Luyang