REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW DELHI -- The potential of Indonesia-India trade agreements reaches more than US$2.1 billion, Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita stated. Nevertheless, there are still a few matters that will be followed up by Indonesia and India.
"India has also urged to directly get in touch with the Indonesian trade attachés under the coordination of the ambassador as well as directly with us (the Indonesian government)," Lukita informed the media here on Thursday night (Jan 25).
According to the minister, the Indonesian government had organized the Indonesia-India Business Forum on January 22, 2018, to outline a map on trade that can be implemented by both sides. The forum was held before the ASEAN-India Business Forum took place.
More than 30 entrepreneurs from Indonesia and India participated in the bilateral business meeting. Lukita stated that some entrepreneurs had admitted to several obstacles still being encountered that had been hampering trade relations, including tariff and non-tariff policies.
During a meeting with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabu, Lukita had urged his counterpart to immediately complete the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2018 while highlighting the barriers to be overcome in enhancing the ASEAN-India trade.
According to the minister, ASEAN and India have agreed to launch the ASEAN-India Paper to connect entrepreneurs from both countries.
"The ASEAN-India Business Forum also received a positive response. At the forum, Indonesian entrepreneurs explored and discussed various matters within the framework of trade interests among ASEAN countries with India," Lukita stated.
Meanwhile, during a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President JokoWidodo noted that India should consider raising tariff on vegetable imports.
The president also lauded India's support in maritime development through the ASEAN mechanism and EAST Asia Summit.
The president invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Indonesia to discuss cooperation between both nations in further detail.
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