Indonesia-Argentina Strengthens Economic Cooperation

Bogor, MINA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo received an official visit from Argentine President Mauricio Macri at Bogor Palace on Wednesday, June 26. President Macri visited Indonesia before leaving for Japan to attend the G20 Summit on 28-29 June 2019.

In bilateral meetings, it was discussed about increasing cooperation in trade and agriculture. In 2018, the total trade between the two countries reached 1.68 billion, with deficit reached 1.2 billion on Indonesian side.

“This must be able to contribute in improving and balancing trade and investment between the two countries,” Jokowi explained as reported by Setkab.

To achieve this, Indonesia offers Indonesia’s strategic industrial products, namely aircraft and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services by PT. Indonesian Aerospace. In addition, one stop solution railway project is also offered, which will improve the quality of railway transportation in Argentina by PT. INKA. This was positively welcomed by President Macri.

In order to balance the trade balance, the President asked Argentina to provide market access for Indonesian agricultural commodities and tropical fruit, such as pineapple, banana, swallow’s nest, rubber, coconut and pepper.

“Because of its good quality and good taste, I’m sure Indonesia’s tropical fruits will be favored by Argentine public,” explained the President.

In agriculture, Indonesia and Argentina have established a Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation (WGAC) which has produced a collaborative action plan. In this field, Indonesia wants to develop cooperation related to the development of agricultural technology systems.

Before the second meeting of the Heads of State, on the same day, two documents of agreement were signed between Indonesia and Argentina. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)