President Jokowi To Promote Diversification of Exports to India

New Delhi (Antara Megapolitan) - Indonesia will diversify its goods and commodities exported to India, as the country's exports are currently dominated by crude palm oil (CPO) and coal.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said here, Monday, during the visit of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to India on Dec 12 and 13, the possibility of diversifying exports would be explored.

"Several issues will be discussed. We are exploring trade diversification with India," the minister stated.

India is Indonesia's largest trade partner in South Asia and fourth largest trade partner in the world.

"We enjoy a large surplus in trade with India. We continue to boost our trade ties, including by diversifying our trade with and exports to India," she noted.

In addition to CPO and coal, Indonesia should be able to export other products to India.

"For instance, (we could export) furniture, gambier, areca nut, and many other things," the minister remarked.

President Jokowi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the prime minister of India, the president of India, and the vice president of India and attend a conference call meeting with 20 CEOs of major Indian companies.

After the meeting with Jokowi, the CEOs will hold more detailed discussions with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukito, and Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board Thomas Lembong.

The Indonesian trade minister will also discuss export diversification with his Indian counterpart.

The first visit of President Jokowi to India is to reciprocate the visit of the Indian prime minister to Jakarta in 2013 and the visit of the Indian vice president to Indonesia in November 2015.

From India, President Jokowi and his entourage will visit Iran on Dec 14.  (Ant).
EDITED BY: F. Assegaf.