Indonesia Calls for Fair Online Commerce in ASEAN

Jakarta, MINA – The Indonesian government has stressed that online commerce must be treated in the same way as offline commerce since it is related to tax on traded goods and services,Antara News reported.

Director of ASEAN Trade at the Indonesian Trade Ministry Donna Gultom said on Friday e-commerce has grown so rapidly that the Indonesian government has observed several issues such as transnational flow of information, placement of data center and import duty on electronically-transmitted products.

“Indonesia is consistent with its last statement delivered by the trade minister to the 26th AEM Retreat in Singapore last February to maintain justice between online and offline commerce,” she said.

The Indonesian government will also propose the liberalization of electronically-transmitted products from import duties. However, products that are traded online remain subjected to tax, she said.

To facilitate e-commerce and boost economic growth in the region ASEAN has initiated ASEAN Agreement on e-Commerce.

With regard to ASEAN Wide Self-Certification, Indonesia has proposed that the agreement should be put into force after all ASEAN member states have ratified it.

If any of the ASEAN member states has not ratified the agreement when it will be implemented, ASEAN will find it difficult to realize the mechanism because two different regulations will be needed, she said. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)