"I believe that we have to ease some barriers, in order to increase trade (between India and Indonesia," Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia said during the bilateral meeting with the India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Taj Diplomatic Enclave Hotel, New Delhi, Thursday (Jan 25).
After attending the summit`s plenary session, the president noted that India and Indonesia have served as two growing economy powers since last year.
Hence, the two countries need to use any opportunities to strengthen ties in trade and investment.
During the bilateral meeting, the president also called on his counterpart in India to lower the duty tariff for vegetable oil products imported from Indonesia.
"If we cut the palm oil exports, I believe, it will affect the India`s market, as people`s demand on the product is relatively high," the president noted as cited by Bey Machmudin, the protocol, media, and press deputy of President Secretariat.
Therefore, President Joko Widodo hopes that the government of India will reconsider its high tariff policy for vegetable oil imports.
During the meeting, the president also invited the Indian prime minister to visit Indonesia this year.
On his upcoming visit, PM Modi and President Joko Widodo will further talk in more details about the bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, on the summit, the president has called on all leaders in India and Southeast Asian countries to start paying attention to the power of "Indo-Pacifism".
"I believe, this new power should be more developed through transparent and inclusive dialog," he remarked.
As part of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) leaders, Joko Widodo is ascertain that the PM Modi has a similar commitment to strengthen ties in the multilateral group.
Apart of IORA, Joko Widodo also lauded India`s support on ASEAN-led Mechanisms, and East Asia Summit (EAS).
"Indonesia and India have supported to improve cooperation in maritime sector during the EAS," he reiterated.
Amid his working visit to New Delhi, President Joko Widodo is assisted by Economy Coordinating Minister Darmin Nasution, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, the Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, the Presidential Staff Coordinator Teten Masduki, and the Ambassador of Indonesia to India, Sidharto Suryodipuro.
Reported by Bayu Prasetyo
(UU.KR-GNT/A/KR-GNT/F001)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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