During a pivotal meeting in Chengdu, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed to China's President Xi Jinping Indonesia's ambition to increase exports of edible bird's nests to China, underscoring a mission to fortify Indonesia's economic connections with its primary trading partner. This exchange reflects Jakarta's broader strategy to enhance access to the Chinese market for its unique delicacy, derived from the saliva of swiftlets, and renowned for its health benefits.
Navigating Future Trade Prospects
The conversation between Presidents Jokowi and Xi Jinping not only highlighted the importance of edible bird's nests in bilateral trade but also set the stage for discussing the expansion of trade agreements. Indonesia's bird's nest exports to China showed a significant uptick in 2022, with a reported value of $387.4 million. This growth trajectory underscores the potential for even greater trade volumes, prompting Jokowi to advocate for renewed protocols and increased quotas for bird's nest exports.
The meeting also witnessed the signing of important protocols regarding Indonesian exports, signifying a deeper commitment to diversifying economic exchanges. With Jokowi pushing for the conclusion of protocols on Indonesian marine products, the dialogue between Indonesia and China opens new avenues for enhancing trade relations. Amidst this backdrop of growing trade, the economic ties between Indonesia and China appear poised for a future of increased collaboration and mutual benefit, with the edible bird's nest sector being a key focus of their shared economic agenda.
Reference
[1] Jokowi Wants Xi Jinping to Import More Indonesian Bird's Nests. July 2023. https://jakartaglobe.id/business/jokowi-wants-xi-jinping-to-import-more-indonesian-birds-nests
