Vice President Ma'ruf Amin once again discussed trade cooperation, especially in the halal industry sector, when receiving a visit from the Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Yi Lianhong.

"China remains Indonesia's largest trading partner with a trade value reaching USD 133.56 billion in 2022. When meeting with Premier Li Xiang, I emphasized the strengthening of trade cooperation and the halal industry, which has significant potential in both countries," said Ma'ruf at the Vice President's Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (13/11).

He revealed that the potential of the halal industry in Indonesia is substantial, in line with the rapid growth of the Halal Value Chain (HVC) this year.

"The Halal Value Chain is growing rapidly at 4.5-5.3% in 2023, encompassing halal food and beverages, Muslim fashion, and Muslim-friendly tourism, with the potential industry reaching USD 135 billion in Indonesia," expressed Ma'ruf.

With this significant potential, Ma'ruf encourages business players in Zhejiang to leverage it and seriously explore halal products.

"I would like to invite business players in Zhejiang to harness this large market potential, especially in the halal food and beverage sector, halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and halal product certification," he stated.

On another occasion, China's Ambassador to Indonesia, Lu Kang, ensured that businesses in China, particularly in Zhejiang Province, are very interested in establishing investment cooperation in the halal economic sector.

"Mr. Yi provided a very explicit response to the Vice President regarding this matter. Zhejiang Province shows great interest in investing in the halal economic sector, especially after the Vice President often promoted halal industry cooperation during his visit to China last September," Lu said after the meeting.

Lu also stated that China will continue to follow up on commitments to halal investments. Additionally, Ma'ruf and Yi encourage more Chinese investments to enter Indonesia, not only in the nickel industry but also in other sectors.

"Of course, other investments will continue to be discussed by investors. However, both parties see promising prospects," he added.