Potential For Plantation Cooperation With South Korea, Moeldoko: Must Be Utilized

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff Dr. Moeldoko said the opportunity for cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in agriculture is still large, and has room to develop to other aspects. Such as investment and trade.

"Especially in the last five years, the trade value of agricultural products between Indonesia and South Korea continues to increase," said Moeldoko, while speaking at the The 50th Anniversary of Korea-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations of Maekyung Indonesia Forum, in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 16.

For information, the total value of agricultural product trade between Indonesia and South Korea in 2018 was US$ 18.65 billion. This number increased in 2022, which amounted to US$ 24.65 billion. Where Indonesia imports agricultural products from South Korea which are dominated by fruit products. Meanwhile, Indonesia's superior agricultural products to South Korea, including coffee and spices.

According to Moeldoko, there are several forms of cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in agriculture that can be carried out in the future. Namely, technology exchange, investment and business cooperation, training and education, research and development, as well as increasing trade and value chain intensity.

"Through this collaboration, Indonesia can increase exports of agricultural products and expand access to the southern Korean market," he explained.

The HKTI chairman assessed that cooperation is needed for support from the governments of Indonesia and South Korea. Among them, accelerating the harmonization of derivative laws and regulations from the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IK-CEPA) ratification, encouraging business to business cooperation by providing various conveniences, as well as encouraging trade patterns and mutually beneficial investment between the two countries.

"This agenda is in line with the thoughts of ASEAN leaders when they gathered in Labuan Bajoa a few days ago, where the meeting campaigned for ASEAN to be Epicentrum of Growth," concluded Moeldoko.