Malaysia Keen on Enhancing Trade with Indonesia

Jakarta, 27 Syawwal 1437/01 August 2016  (MINA)  – Malaysia is keen on unlocking the potential for bilateral trade with Indonesia when their leaders meet at the 11th Annual Consultation here Monday, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said.

It will be the first annual consultation involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, fondly known as Jokowi, since the latter assumed presidency in 2014.

Malaysia and Indonesia have set a bilateral target of advancing trade to as much as US$30 billion by 2014, but it could not be reached due the unfavourable economic scenario.

“Since both Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to step up bilateral trade, it is appropriate for the economic cooperation (agenda) to be discussed,” Bernama quoted him as telling Malaysian journalists covering Najib’s three day working visit here starting Monday.

Indonesia is Malaysia’s seventh largest trading partner and the third largest country among ASEAN members, with total bilateral trade between the two countries recorded at RM60.16 billion (US$1=RM4.06) in 2015.

Najib and Jokowi will also touch on economic cooperation, including energy, as well boundary, labour (including maid), and haze issues.

The 11th Annual Consultation reaffirms both countries’ commitment to further strengthen their friendly bilateral ties built over the years.

Najib, who arrived here with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor Sunday afternoon, will also attend the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) starting Tuesday. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)