A business matchmaking conference focusing on the Sulawesi Ferronickel Industrial Park in Indonesia was held in Shanxi on July 17.

Indonesia, which has abundant coal resources and top-quality nickel mines, and has enacted preferential policies in taxation, is an ideal country for Shanxi to partner with in coal, and the metallurgical and power industries, thus facilitating the partnership with Shanxi in the Sulawesi Ferronickel Industrial Park.

China Railway 17 Bureau Group, based in Shanxi, will be responsible for construction of eight RKEF ferronickel production lines and supporting facilities, blast furnace engineering, and equipment procurement and installation, according to an agreement signed between the group and Indonesia Wanxiang Nickel Industry Co.

Industries related to the smelting of ferronickel, such as the coking coal, electric power and cement sectors, will be introduced to the ferronickel industrial park in Sulawesi Island.

Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group, Shanxi Coking Coal Group and Shanxi International Energy Group will also join in the project at the industrial park.

The partnership with Indonesia, which is a major stop on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road –– an initiative echoing the Belt and Road Initiative –– aims to help transform and upgrade industries in Shanxi and create more opportunities for furthering international industrial collaboration.