"We explored export opportunities to the European Union (EU) through the ports of Genoa and Trieste in Italy, which were offered by Ambassador Latteri," Hasan said in a statement issued by his ministry on Thursday.
He said that the advantage of routing Indonesian exports through the two ports is their position as entry points to Central and Eastern Europe.
Indonesia's trade with Europe remains a third of Vietnam's. It is hoped that utilizing export routes through the two ports would increase Indonesia's trade with the EU, particularly with Italy.
During Wednesday's meeting, Latteri said that the Italian government and private parties in Italy are offering technical solutions for Indonesian mainstay export products, such as crude palm oil and coffee, which have been affected by the EU's deforestation policy.
One of the innovations offered is a certification scheme to ensure compliance with the policy's requirements.
To discuss Italy's offer further, the ambassador invited representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade to visit Italy and meet the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the port authorities of Genoa and Trieste.
The meeting was intended to open discussions regarding the technical aspects that need attention.
On the occasion, Hasan also sought the Italian government's support to wrap up the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) negotiations.
He noted that Indonesia and Italy share the same desire to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible.
"Indonesia welcomes the positive results achieved in the 18th round and efforts to complete the CEPA negotiations," he said.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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