Indonesia-Italy Aim for Cooperation in Industrial Sector

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesia and Italy aim for more comprehensive cooperation in industrial sector. Their diplomatic cooperation and relations have been consistent based on the principle of mutual respect and trust since 1949.

It was indicated by trade between the two countries in 2016-2018 period which experienced an average escalation of 12 percent.

Indonesian Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto assessed that there were still many opportunities that had not been fully utilized and greater potential in bilateral trade.

When looking at the trade balance between Indonesia and Italy, he said the potential that can be optimized is iron and steel, chemical products, footwear, rubber, spices, coffee and tea.

“For example, iron and steel. Italy has become the eighth largest export market of Indonesia in 2018. In addition, Italy is the second largest manufacturing base in the European Union that supplies various types of industrial products to Indonesia,” he said in a written statement on Friday, June 21.

According to Airlangga, Italy is widely known as a leading country in the export of machinery and mechanical solutions, metal products, automotive, industrial and transportation equipment, chemical products, and synthetic fibers, as well as electrical and electronic equipment. For this reason, Indonesia is a suitable partner for Italy in industrial development.

“We offer a lot of quality, from high-quality workforce and production capacity, to the growing domestic market,” he explained.

In 2019, Indonesia and Italy celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This momentum will be commemorated through a number of activities to strengthen cooperation in the creative economy and small and medium enterprises.

Airlangga hopes that bilateral cooperation between the two countries extends to regional and global regions.

“We hope that such initiatives will connect the world-recognized Italian furniture, fashion, and footwear industry with Indonesia’s developing creative industry. This will help Indonesian creative industry sector to enter the global market,” he explained. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)