TEMPO.CO, New Delhi - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Taj Enclave Diplomatic Hotel in New Delhi Friday, Jan. 26. On the sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit, the two leaders discussed the improving economic and maritime cooperation relation. Last year, Indonesia and Vietnam trade value reached US$7 billion or around Rp93 trillion.
"Vietnam PM expressed his hope that the target of US$10 billion in 2020 can be realized," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Friday, January 26. The target is believed to be achieved because the trade between the two countries is very progressive.
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On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his concern about the soon-to-be-enacted regulation on the non-tariff measures of automobile exports to Vietnam. He said that the implementation of the regulation needs an adjustment in terms of cost and time. Indonesia has requested a transition period so that exports are not interrupted by the decree that will be issued in October 2018.
Other countries including Japan and the United States also delivered concerns on the non-tariff barrier of motor vehicle exports to Vietnam. Minister Retno said the Vietnam PM would instruct the transportation minister to immediately make guidance as to facilitate the implementation of the decree. "Vietnam is also committed to continue maintaining and respect the ASEAN free trade agreement," she added.
During the meeting with President Jokowi, the Vietnam PM also mentioned that the trade cooperation between the two countries needs to be improved despite many obstacles. "The two leaders agreed that trade and investment is a priority of Indonesia's bilateral relations with Vietnam," said PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
ANTARA
