"Of course, Indonesia encourages equality (in trade) because we want to become an advanced country that has good economic growth and people's welfare," Thohir noted in an official statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to Thohir, it was in line with one of the important values highlighted by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
Moreover, Indonesia has held the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), a forum to pave the way for deeper discussions in trade relations between countries in two regions.
Hence, Thohir emphasized that the president's direction was quite clear that the 43rd ASEAN Summit was expected to become a basis to increase equality in trade relations.
According to the minister, it is impossible that the trade will harm each other.
"All parties must ensure cooperation has mutual benefit for each other, especially for the people and each country," he remarked.
At the opening of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, President Jokowi expressed hope that the ASEAN Summit would serve as a platform for cooperation for all countries in the ASEAN region.
State-owned companies were also expected to make the most of the ASEAN Summit for increasing equality in trade relations.
"Make this ASEAN ship as a field for building cooperation and creating prosperity, stability, as well as peace," the president remarked.
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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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