(Jakarta) A 17-member delegation from the Doctoral Think Tank Indonesia, led by Deng Weiqiang, Chairman of the Doctoral Program in Artificial Intelligence, including Lu Xiumei and Chen Jiang, members of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and He Guojun, member of the Standing Committee of the Xinhui District Committee of Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province and Director of the District United Front Work Department, visited Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneurs Association at 4:30 PM on Thursday, August 14th. They were warmly welcomed by Chairman Zhang Jinxiong, Vice Chairman Lian Jiehao and Chen Xin, Honorary Chairman Chen Zhikun, Vice Chairmen Weng Zuhui, Xue Jingyong, Li Kaiguo, Wang Chaosheng, and Chen Yingfu, and Honorary Chairmen Liu Xinhua and Zhong Yanchou, among other members of the board.
Chairman Zhang Jinxiong of Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneurs Association noted that Indonesia, as ASEAN's largest economy, has demonstrated strong development resilience in recent years. According to data released by Statistics Indonesia for the second quarter of 2025, my country's GDP grew by 5.2% year-on-year, the highest growth rate since the second quarter of 2023, exceeding market expectations. This growth was primarily driven by a recovery in domestic consumption, continued investment inflows, and improved exports.
Indonesia boasts unique natural resources. It is the world's largest exporter of palm oil and coal, and boasts the world's largest nickel reserves, laying a solid foundation for the development of Indonesia's new energy vehicle industry chain. Even more remarkable is Indonesia's massive population of 280 million, with an average age of under 30. This constitutes a vast consumer market and a vibrant talent pool, which are also our most valuable assets for economic development.
Zhang Jinxiong stated that Indonesia has the largest overseas Chinese population, and the Chinese are a vital member of Indonesia's diverse ethnic community. Chinese businesses in Indonesia are active participants and drivers of Indonesia's economic development. These businesses not only contribute significantly to GDP and employment but also actively participate in national development, with Chinese representatives represented at all levels of government. At the same time, Chinese businesspeople in Indonesia generally value corporate social responsibility and actively participate in public welfare projects such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief, promoting ethnic harmony and improving people's well-being. They have a broad and positive influence in local communities.
Zhang Jinxiong stated that China has remained Indonesia's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years. With the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's "Global Maritime Pivot" strategy, Chinese capital's confidence in Indonesia continues to grow. Last year, total trade between China and Indonesia reached US$147.8 billion, and mainland China and Hong Kong's total investment in Indonesia reached US$16.3 billion, second only to Singapore's US$20.1 billion, making it one of Indonesia's most important sources of foreign investment.
Zhang Jinxiong pointed out that Macao, as a unique window for the integration of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, has broad potential for cooperation with Indonesia in the economic, cultural, and tourism sectors. Macao and Indonesia also share a special emotional bond. Historically, many Indonesian returnees have chosen to settle and work in Macao. We warmly welcome friends from Macao to visit Indonesia frequently and experience firsthand the charm of Indonesia's diverse culture and economic vitality.
The Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association will continue to fully leverage the Chamber's platform advantages to provide maximum support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation. Finally, I sincerely wish all of you a successful and fruitful trip to Indonesia.
Deng Weiqiang, Chairman of the AI PhD Institute, stated that his visit to Indonesia not only aims to further explore the latest developments in the country's health, high-tech, finance, and cultural tourism sectors, but also to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association. This will encourage more Macao businesses to visit and invest in Indonesia, and he welcomes entrepreneurs from Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association to take the time to visit Macao, explore the area, and invest in businesses.
Deng Weiqiang explained that the PhD Think Tank Institute is a non-profit organization registered in Hong Kong in 2018. The think tank serves as a platform connecting PhDs, experts, and talented individuals, providing knowledge, resources, talent, education, training, research, strategic planning, and support. It aims to pool wisdom and innovative thinking, integrating industry, technology, finance, and resources to drive social and economic development. The think tank draws upon exceptional wisdom and innovative thinking from diverse sectors to provide solutions to address the challenges facing society and businesses.
