​China-Indonesia 'Two Countries, Twin Parks' project in full swing under BRI

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Indonesia "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project has made significant progress, marking the impressive 10th anniversary of BRI and the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. This project, serving as a prominent initiative under BRI, is centered on establishing key industrial parks such as Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in Fujian province and Bintan, Aviarna, and Badung in Indonesia.

Enterprises involved in the project are actively strengthening their industrial chains. Zhaohua Aquatic Food, based in Fuqing, exemplifies this through its production of frozen South American white-leg shrimps. The company's breeding base in Indonesia ensures a stable supply of raw materials, reducing costs and contributing to the production of more than 2,000 metric tons of shrimp products last year. Furthermore, Saneheld (Fuqing) Food Co Ltd is collaborating with Salim Group to establish 10 fishery bases in Indonesia, reflecting the growing business opportunities between Fujian and Indonesia.

Key projects within the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone are focused on building a food industrial cluster with a projected output value of 100 billion yuan ($14.16 billion). The construction of the Yuanhong International Food Exhibition and Trading Center is progressing, aiming to become the country's largest cold chain warehousing base. The center is scheduled to offer comprehensive services such as warehousing, processing, logistics distribution, and supply chain finance.

Moving forward, the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project promises to advance 42 industrial projects with a total investment of 56.85 billion yuan, further bolstering cross-border industrial cooperation and promoting economic and trade development between China and Indonesia.

As a landmark project under BRI, "Two Countries, Twin Parks" continues to foster bilateral trade by establishing key industrial parks, including the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in Fujian province as the core. Furthermore, the areas that are in Indonesia's Bintan, Aviarna, and Badung are considered as the main body.

The project has gained momentum this year with noteworthy developments. In January, the State Council approved the China-Indonesia Economic and Trade Innovation Development Demonstration Zone. In February, a total of 15 projects were inked into effect during an economic and trade matchmaking event in Jakarta. These potential projects had a total staggering investment of 21.6 billion yuan. Additionally, an investment promotion conference held in May witnessed the signing of 21 projects with a combined investment amount of 43.2 billion yuan.

Enterprises empower industrial chains

At the Fuqing-based Zhaohua Aquatic Food, frozen South American white-leg shrimps, also known as litopenaeus vannamei, are put on the production line. After undergoing a series of processing procedures, they quickly become packaged and exquisite shrimp products to be sold in China.

He Liming, chairman of Zhaohua Aquatic Food, expressed that all shrimps are produced at the company's breeding base in Indonesia, which ensures a stable supply of raw materials and dramatically reduces costs. This was primarily due to the support of the construction of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project. Last year, Zhaohua Aquatic Foods produced more than 2,000 tons of shrimp products. Currently, the company is preparing for three new bases in Indonesia. 

Indonesia is the largest trading partner with Fujian among all ASEAN member states. In 2022, the trade volume between Fujian and Indonesia reached 121.52 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 32.2 percent. An increasing number of companies in Fujian are seeking business opportunities with Indonesia. For example, Saneheld (Fuqing) Food Co Ltd collaborates with Salim Group to construct ten fishery bases in Indonesia.

Key projects

The Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone is building an industrial food cluster with an output value of 100 billion yuan. The construction of the Yuanhong International Food Exhibition and Trading Center is in full swing. After its completion, it is expected to become the country's most extensive cold chain warehousing base, providing integrated services such as warehousing, processing, logistics distribution, and supply chain finance to enterprises.

Moving forward, the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project is expected to advance 42 industrial projects with a total investment of 56.85 billion yuan.