The Trade Minister Calls The Trade Agreement Must Be Completed Before The Prabowo-Gibran Government

Minister of Trade Zulhas (photo: dock. VOI)

JAKARTA - Trade Minister (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan said the diplomacy of trade agreements needed to be completed before the transition of government to Elected President Prabowo Subianto in October 2024.

Zulkifli said that currently Indonesia's trade balance continues to experience a surplus of up to 51 consecutive months. This must continue to be strengthened by resolving trade barriers through diplomatic agreements.

"Right now, there are many trade barriers, not free trade campaigns now, but obstacles. Therefore, we complete trade diplomacy through agreements," said Zulkifli quoting Antara.

To achieve the economic growth target of 7-8 percent, said Zulkifli, foreign diplomacy needs to be carried out.

Currently, Indonesia is finalizing the European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA) which is expected to be completed in September 2024.

In addition, Zulkifli also mentioned that the government has a new expansion strategy outside the United States and Europe. These non-traditional markets include Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

"We have to control the world market, if exports remain as they are today, it is impossible to grow 7-8 percent," said Zulkifli.

Furthermore, Zulkifli said that another strategy to increase economic growth is to control the flow of imported goods and strengthen domestic productivity.

Controlling the invasion of imported goods into Indonesia can prevent micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from being eroded.

According to Zulkifli, imported goods from outside must also be required to have SNI standards, permits from BPOM to Halal certificates.

"In our country, we strengthen, goods must be controlled to be fair. If outside goods flood us without SNI, without permission from BPOM, there is nothing and so on, of course we will lose competition, right. Therefore, it must be arranged, controlled, other countries too. Now our economy is growing," he said.