RRI.CO.IS, Makassar - The South Sulawesi Provincial Administration is doubling down on its economic ties with China, aiming to secure broader market access and capitalize on the significant investment flows that have fueled the region's recent growth.

Following a meeting in Makassar on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, officials emphasized that the relationship is built on a deep historical foundation that continues to provide substantial economic dividends.

China has already established itself as a cornerstone of the province's trade balance. In 2025, Chinese investment in South Sulawesi reached IDR 748 billion, while the nation stood as the second-largest export destination for the region, accounting for 33.69 percent of total export value.

Regional Secretary Jufri Rahman highlighted that the economic synergy is a natural progression of long-standing ties. "Since long ago, an emotional relationship between China and the people of South Sulawesi has been established," Jufri said in Makassar on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

In 2024, South Sulawesi's exports to China were valued at USD 693.88 million. During the reception for the Chinese Embassy delegation, Jufri presented a portfolio of the province’s premier sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, mining, and the processing industry, all of which are viewed as prime opportunities for further investment-led development.

The Chinese delegation, led by Counselor Zhen Wangda, acknowledged Sulawesi’s central role as an economic and cultural hub in Indonesia. Wangda noted that the rapid development of the province's food and mining industries has already caught the attention of global investors.

"The agriculture, fisheries, mining, and food industry sectors are growing rapidly and have attracted investor interest," Wangda remarked.

Beyond industrial cooperation, the delegation expressed interest in South Sulawesi’s cultural heritage and natural beauty as potential drivers for increased tourism. Wangda emphasized that the visit serves a broader purpose of aligning the superior industries of both regions while fostering closer people-to-people connections.

"The Chinese Embassy in Indonesia assigned me to lead this visit. We hope this meeting can increase mutual understanding, strengthen China-Indonesia regional cooperation, including the integration of leading industries, and tighten relationships between communities," Wangda explained. ***