According to ANTARA`s report in New Delhi on Friday, the president received the Vietnamese prime minister at the meeting room at around 8:30 a.m. local time.
"The prime minister of Vietnam expressed hope that the target of US$10 billion in 2020 would be realized," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated while elaborating on the discussion between President Widodo and the Vietnamese prime minister at the meeting.
The foreign minister expressed belief that the target would be achieved, considering the progressive development in Indonesia-Vietnam trade.
President Widodo also expressed concern over the regulation that will be imposed on non-tariff requirements on the exports of motor vehicles to Vietnam.
The head of state opined that the enforcement of these requirements necessitates the adjustments of costs and time.
Indonesia is requesting the adoption of a transitional period, so that exports are not affected by the regulation, which will come into effect in October 2018.
Minister Marsudi quoted Vietnam`s prime minister as saying that Japan and the United States had expressed concern over the regulation.
Hence, the Vietnamese prime minister will instruct the transportation minister to immediately offer guidance to facilitate the implementation of the regulation.
Vietnam expressed commitment to maintaining and respecting free trade.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese prime minister noted that cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam in the field of trade should be improved.
The Vietnamese prime minister explained that both countries still faced obstacles in enhancing economic cooperation.
"Both leaders agree that trade and investment are a priority for Indonesia`s bilateral relations with Vietnam," the foreign minister noted.
The total trade value between Indonesia and Vietnam was almost $7 billion in 2017.
UU.A063/INE
(UU.A063/A/KR-BSR/F001)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
