TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will highlight the cooperation agreement for trade in services at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila, the Philippines, on November 18-19.

The statement was delivered by Trade Minister Thomas Lembong while updating Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Indonesias preparations for the APEC summit on Tuesday.

"The main agenda that had been proposed and undertaken last year was an agreement for trade in services," Lembong stated.

A ministerial-level cooperation agreement had been reached in the Asia-Pacific region through the APEC Service Agreement.

"We often discuss trade in terms of goods. In fact, trade in services is large and important for the community," he pointed out.

The minister remarked that the government is making efforts to boost trade in services, considering the fact that trade in goods has developed optimally.

"We are competitive in the trade of goods. The trade in jewelry, crafts, and automotive components has grown significantly," he affirmed.

Earlier, the Indonesian government had planned to raise three main issues at the APEC summit scheduled to be held in Manila, the Philippines on November 18-19.

The statement was delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi while reporting to Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Tuesday.

"I and the Trade Minister Thomas Lembong have reported to the vice president on Indonesias preparations for the APEC summit to be held in Manila on November 18-19," Marsudi remarked on Tuesday.

The three major issues to be highlighted by the Indonesian delegation are commodities that support sustainable development, infrastructure cooperation, and maritime collaboration.

"These are ongoing issues that we plan to raise during the summit," she emphasized.

Marsudi and Lembong will leave for Manila to attend a series of ministerial-level meetings on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

Vice President Kalla and his entourage are scheduled to undertake a working visit to the Philippines on November 17-20.

ANTARA