"The Vice President will seek solutions for two issues (related to shrimp farming), which will be conveyed at the cabinet meeting," he said.
The same day, VP Amin received a visit from Haris Muhtadi, chairperson of Shrimp Club Indonesia, an organization of Indonesian shrimp farmers.
Baidlowi said that during the meeting, the VP listened to problems faced by shrimp farmers, such as those related to obtaining business licensing.
According to him, shrimp farmers need to obtain at least 21 types of permits from five ministries.
"It is very troublesome. (Shrimp farmers) must fulfill the permits from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, the Public Work and Public Housing Ministry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, and one more ministry, and even a regional permit," Baidlowi said.
Shrimp is one of Indonesia's top exports. The export value of the fisheries sector is US$5 billion, of which 40 percent is contributed by shrimp, he added.
"And Indonesian shrimp (export) is one of the top five (in the world). Number one is Ecuador, second India, third Vietnam, fourth Indonesia, and fifth Thailand; so, this is a very strategic issue conveyed to the VP," he said.
The Vice President will try to encourage the simplification of permits for conducting shrimp businesses, he added.
The second problem is related to investment. According to reports, the spokesperson said, many shrimp farmers have invested in the business, but are facing barriers in the field.
"We will try to discuss this at the upcoming cabinet meeting," he said.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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