The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Di Roro Eastia Odia Potre, said that Indonesia is seeking to diversify its markets with the intensification of global protectionism, while taking steps to defend its local manufacturers.
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(Bloomberg) – The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Duh Roro East Etie Potre, said that Indonesia is seeking to diversify its markets with the intensification of global protectionism, while taking steps to defend its local manufacturers.
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“Trump’s comments on the definitions are very horrific in several ways, but we believe that Indonesia can increase its potential in the market if the United States imposes a tariff on Chinese goods,” Ruro said in an interview in Jakarta late on Wednesday. “We protect our national trade, while expanding exports.”
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US President Donald Trump’s plans to a customs tariff against countries ranging from Canada to China disturbed the world’s fears that all exporting countries may face more barriers against the largest consumer market in the world. On Wednesday, the head of trade in the European Union spoke with US officials because of their commercial conflicts, and all the Prime Minister in Canada was in Washington to pressure against import taxes.
Rouro said that the risk of global trade turmoil makes Indonesia take a measure of measure, while continuing to search the Council of Ministers.
She said, “We do not want to behave in a hurry to impose any kind of import regulation.” “Once the situation becomes more clear, the government will implement policies in the interest of Indonesia.”
As long as the largest economy in Southeast Asia has sought deeper trade relations with the United States, however, unlike some of its neighbors, it does not have a free trade agreement or a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Washington. Instead, it depends on mechanisms such as the Trade and Investment Framework Convention to Manage Trade Relations.
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She noted that Indonesia is a member of the Brexes Group, and that Trump has threatened to take action against the members of the bloc, although there is no indication yet that Indonesia has been targeted so far. She said that Indonesian officials will meet the American ambassador next week, without providing further details.
She said: “If such severe definitions are imposed, we will diversify our markets, and expand to Asia, Africa and Europe.” “If the situation is getting worse and we lose the United States market, then I believe a firm belief that this will not happen. But if necessary, we will explore other potential markets.”
Read: Indonesia joins the Brexes to help strengthen South Global on the world stage
Behind the United States, Jakarta is actively negotiating new trade agreements to expand its export markets.
“At the present time, we will be more focused on negotiating the comprehensive economic partnership agreements. Examples are with Peru, where we try to conclude the deal significantly this year.” “We are also in an operation with Canada and we re -reach the European Union. There were some challenges with the European Union, but at the same time they started to open up.”
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She said there are obstacles on climate change issues, but Indonesia is working to finish its agreement with the bloc. “One of the cases with the European Union’s forest removal law – it is basically the problem of climate sustainability,” said Roro.
She said: “Indonesia is also keen on India, and it is another country with which our government aims to build bilateral and trade.”
President Brabo visited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last month to enhance economic cooperation. Meanwhile, Modi is making efforts to thwart any American trade action against India.
Read: Moody seeks to avoid Trump’s anger at the top of the White House
A great concern for Indonesia is the manufacture of its clothes, as hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk due to cheap clothes, and are often illegally imported from China. At least 80,000 jobs were lost last year, according to one of the estimates, and local companies were pushing the government to raise non -fire barriers to protect the remainder. PT SRI Rejeki ISMAN, a fabric giant in the country, has about 3,000 workers after bankruptcy.
“The results we have reached in this field indicate that incompatible imports come from different countries, not only China,” said Roro. “We are making efforts to alleviate this issue through cooperation through ministries, customs and even law enforcement agencies, including the police and the army.”
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