The permits to import 256 thousand tons (of garlic) have been issued. There are 15 companies. We will issue permits to five other companies that have filed applications,
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
The Trade Ministry will allow five more companies to import garlic, after issuing import permits to 15 companies to import 256 thousand tons.

"The permits to import 256 thousand tons (of garlic) have been issued. There are 15 companies. We will issue permits to five other companies that have filed applications," Director General of Foreign Trade of the Trade Ministry Oke Nurwan said in Jakarta on Thursday.

In addition to the 20 companies, the Trade Ministry received a report that 12 other companies have been recommended to import horticultural products (RIPH) from the Agriculture Ministry.

RIPH serves as the basis for companies to obtain permits to import horticultural products.

"But the 12 companies are in the pipeline, so there has not been certainty. Only five companies have filed applications with us," he said.

The import permits are expected to guarantee garlic supplies until the end of 2019, he said.

Translator: Sella Panduarsa Gareta, Suhart
Editor: Sri Haryati
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