Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government should exercise caution to ratify any international free trade agreement without causing a detrimental impact on the country in future, a lawmaker stated.

"The ratification of the international trade agreement may have a negative impact and pose a threat unless it is done cautiously," member of the House of Representatives Commission VI Lili Asdjudiredja noted in a press statement released on Tuesday.

For its part, various issues related to the international trade agreement should be set forth in a government regulation, and that the government will find it easier to amend it, if the need arises, he stated.

If the issues are stipulated in law, it will take a long time for the government to revise it, if required, he pointed out.

Earlier, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had held bilateral talks with her Sri Lankan counterpart Tilak Marapana to discuss ways to accelerate the signing of the free trade agreement between the two countries.

The free trade agreement that the two countries will agree on is aimed at enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation, according to a written statement made available on Tuesday (Sept 4),

At the meeting, Minister Marsudi assured Marapana of Indonesia`s state-owned companies` interest and preparedness to participate in the development of the Sri Lankan economy.

The companies, include state-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api and state-owned construction company PT WIKA.

Reporting by Muhammad Razi Rahman
Editing by Suharto

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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