TEMPO.CO, Bogor - Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said that Indonesia is seeking to increase trade volume with Laos following the meeting between President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
“The meeting was aimed at increasing trade volume in various sectors and he [Mr. Sisoulith] was also present at the Trade Expo Indonesia yesterday,” Lukita told reporters at the Bogor Palace on October 12.
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Earlier, President Jokowi received PM Sisoulith at the Bogor Palace today. The latter brought around 33 Lao investors with him to discuss trade agreements with Indonesia.
In 2016, the bilateral trade volume between Indonesia and Laos amounted to US$10.071 million, representing an increase compared to 2015 that stood at US$8.55 million.
Tempo gathered that Laos is interested in fertilizer plant projects, gold mining and coal trade.
“As well as the alutsista [the primary defense systems]… I have also called for cooperation in the furniture business. They ask us to invest in the sector. The goods will be supplied from here and production will be done there,” the Indonesia's trade minister said.
ISTMAN MP
