"With the FLEGT license, we should utilize the comparative advantage for our timber products in expanding market in the EU," Retno said in a statement received here on Wednesday.
The minister was speaking in a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, making official the FLEGT license in the presence of EU representative for foreign affairs and security Federica Mogherini, and EU Commissioner for the environment, marine and fisheries Karmenu Vella.
FLEGT is an agreement between the EU and partner countries aimed at guaranteeing that timber to be exported by the partner countries are legal and produced with sustainable system in line with the principles of environment preservation .
The FLEGT agreement is also aimed at helping the partner countries in putting an end to illegal logging through improvement of foreign management and regulations.
"Withe the FLEGT license, timber products from Indonesia could enter the European market through green track," Retno said.
She said the FLEGT agreement is an important milestone in the relations between Indonesia and the EU and at the same time reflects strong commitment of Indonesia to produce timber with sustainable system.
"As the first country to hold the FLEG license, Indonesia would have an advantage in EU timber market," she said.
"Competitiveness would be stronger and market access would be wider for Indonesian timber products. The opportunity should be fully utilized before other countries also receive the same license," she said.
Indonesia is one of the main suppliers of timber products to the EU with exports to that region valued at 485 euros in 2015.
(AS/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
