DHAKA: Beijing and Jakarta signed a series of economic agreements on Wednesday as Chinese president Xi Jinping began a trade-focused trip to Indonesia, his first visit to Southeast Asia since taking power.

Like its Asian peers Japan and South Korea, China is seeking to strengthen its presence in the booming Indonesian economy, which has been a leading destination for foreign investment in recent years.

During his two-day trip, Xi, who took power in March, will on Thursday become the first foreign leader to address the Indonesian Parliament.

After a red-carpet welcome in the capital Jakarta involving a military parade and brass band, the Chinese leader held talks with Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2026 HRS, OCT 02, 2013
RoR/SRS