TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has joined hands with French tire company Michelin to open market access to Europe and the United States. The plan was proposed in a meeting between Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Vice President Public Affairs of Michelin East-Asia and Oceania Segsarn Trai-Ukos in Jakarta last week.

According to Airlangga, the government and Michelin will also cooperate in aircraft tire retreading. “Michelin has developed tire retreading in Thailand,” he said yesterday.

He said that Michelin technology can help develop aircraft tire retreading in Indonesia and reduce negative perception of retreaded tires. High-tech retreaded tires can help lower airline costs and boost growth of air transport industry.

Indonesia and Michelin will also collaborate in utilizing used tires. According to Airlangga, Michelin is expected to process used tires into raw material for asphalt. He pointed to the example of 80 million units of two-wheeled vehicles with 160 million tires. “With an average lifespan of 1.5 to 2 years, abundant supply of used tires will be available to be utilized.”

The Minister also discussed business opportunities with French Ambassador to Indonesia Jean-Charles Berthonnet. Airlangga said that France can become Indonesia’s export gateway to the non-traditional European market.

He sees France as an important trade partner. In 2015, Indonesia’s import value from France hit US$1.3 billion for aircraft components, vehicles, machinery, milk, and pharmaceutical. Whereas, Indonesia’s export to France worth US$972 million, which include footwear, rubber, furniture, clothing, and coffee.

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