Indonesia Calls ASEAN to Reject US Investment Proposal
26 August 2014 21:02 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Nay Pyi Taw - Indonesian Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi has called for all ASEAN member countries to reject United States' investment proposal. The Minister delivered his statement in the ASEAN Investment Area Council meeting, which is part of the 46th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting that takes place starting from August 25 to August 28, 2014.
Lutfi said that there are several requests from the US that are too sensitive for Indonesia. "As for example, they ask that their investment to be put on the same level as the State-Owned Enterprise. Therefore, they will be able to bid for government procurement [of goods and services]," he said.
Moreover, the Minister explained that the proposal was first introduced 14 years ago. Seince then, ASEAN has yet to provide a decisive answer. "Therefore, I say ASEAN needs to give a firm answer," he said.
Lufti added that United States continues to find a breakthrough to prevent international trade cooperation from being stagnant since the Doha Round initiated by the World Trade Organization resulted in a deadlock.
EFRI RITONGA
