TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airlangga Hartanto, Chairman of the Trade Commission of the House of Representatives, expressed his optimism that the new Draft Bill on Trade would be passed in the plenary session next week. The draft has been discussed by the government and the House since 2010.
"The bill had been previously proposed in 1972, but was rejected in 1979," he said on Wednesday, February 4, 2014.
The Draft Bill contains a proposal to establish a National Trade Commission consisting of officials from several ministries. The commission will have two functions: securing domestic market and representing the government in talks.
One of the key points in the draft is the distinction of goods into two categories: main goods, which would include food; and important materials for development. The government is expected not only to stabilize prices, but also provide funding.
FAIZ NASHRILLAH