Inp.polri.go.id - Nanning. Indonesian Vice President (VP) Ma'ruf Amin underscored China's pivotal role as a hub for education and trade during a meeting with Chinese journalists in Nanning, Guangxi, China. He highlighted the longstanding adage among Muslims to "Seek knowledge even if you go to China," emphasizing the country's historical significance as a center of learning. VP Ma'ruf's remarks came after his participation in the opening ceremony of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAPEXPO) at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC). "Therefore, China has indeed become a crucial hub for technology, mining processing, and more, so (we) need to work together," he said. Reiterating his earlier statement about the significance of collaboration for economic growth, VP Ma'ruf emphasized China's strategic partnership with ASEAN and its role in strengthening the regional economy. "Because this is an ASEAN collaboration, China is a strategic partner of ASEAN. And it is also important to strengthen the regional economy. This event is an implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and is believed to make a big contribution," said VP Ma'ruf. During his visit, the Vice President inaugurated the Commodity Pavilion, featuring 84 stands primarily showcasing products from Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). "This offline platform serves as a branding opportunity for Indonesian products, complemented by online platforms," said the VP. Didi Sumedi, Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, said that the Commodity Pavilion spans 2.150 square meters and encompasses a diverse range of products in four categories, namely food and beverages, fashion and accessories, furniture and home appliances, and beauty. The pavilion was established through a collaborative effort involving the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), Indonesian private companies, and the Guangzhou government. VP Ma'ruf expressed hope for the continuity of the CAEXPO in the years ahead, with an expanded reach into global markets for Indonesian products, in addition to ASEAN and Chinese markets. The CAEXPO, established following the 7th China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) Summit in 2003, serves as a platform to foster trade, investment cooperation, technology transfer, and industrial relations. Indonesia is a consistent participant in this annual exhibition. In addition to the Commodity Pavilion, Indonesia unveiled a National Pavilion covering 160 square meters, showcasing the splendor and potential of Central Kalimantan Province. China holds the distinction of being Indonesia's largest trading partner, with trade volume between the two countries experiencing a 17,69 percent surge over the past five years (2018-2022). In the first half of 2023, Indonesia-China trade volume amounted to USD 61,59 billion (around IDR 946,5 trillion), marking a o,65 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022, with Indonesia recorded a surplus of USD 838,69 million during that period. (ar/inp/pr/nm)