"I give the target for the trade minister and other ministers to expedite negotiations. By end of the year, we will finalize negotiations with five groups to reach agreements on free trade. Hence, our country will have strong markets," the vice presi
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has set a target to finalize talks on the free trade agreement between Indonesia and countries or regions, with potential market, by the end of the year.

Kalla noted that the free trade agreements are expected to encourage industries in Indonesia to boost production and increase exports to destination countries.

"I give the target for the trade minister and other ministers to expedite negotiations. By end of the year, we will finalize negotiations with five groups to reach agreements on free trade. Hence, our country will have strong markets," the vice president stated at a seminar on Market Outlook by Bank Mandiri here on Wednesday.

After it concluded the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) in March, Indonesia would still have to finalize three negotiations by the end of 2019.

Kalla remarked that further negotiations will be held with the United States on the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). It will also continue negotiations on the European Union-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement (EUIFTA) and free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, Japan, China, and the ASEAN.

"We have just concluded (the negotiation) with Australia. Now, we will continue talks with three partners. We will hold talks on GSP with the US, continue FTA talks with the EU, and also negotiations with South Korea and the ASEAN," he added.

Kalla noted that such global cooperation will boost Indonesia's exports and investment that will provide more jobs for the people and reduce the poverty rate. Related news: Government too ambitious in seeking free trade: IGJ

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Translator: Fransiska Ninditya, Sri Haryat
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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