“We are considering a deal (with the NCC) in which we purchase US-made processed cotton to Indonesia and export the final garment product back to the US. We expect a lower tariff, zero per cent if possible, through this scheme,” Kadin Indonesia Chief Anindya Bakrie said.
Per the written remarks on Saturday, Bakrie discussed the proposal while meeting NCC Vice President Robbie Minch in Washington D.C.
While asking NCC to consider the proposed scheme, the Kadin chief also asked NCC to help lobby the US government through the US Trade Representatives (USTR). “It is to ensure the competitiveness of our garment companies,” he said.
Bakrie is optimistic for open cooperation opportunities with NCC although US-made cotton is facing stiff competition against China and Brazil.
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“The meeting proceeded well. It was conducted with government supervision and focused on tariff issues which resolutions we are seeking,” Bakrie said.
As Indonesia’s exports to the US reached US$2 billion in a month, the Kadin leader viewed that a balanced trade will enhance export opportunities for Indonesia-made garments, footwear, and electronics to the US.
“We hope that using US-made cotton will help reduce the tariff on our garment products, possibly nearing zero per cent, which will make our products more competitive in America,” Bakrie stated.
He added that such a scheme will also benefit “millions of people” who rely their lives on Indonesia’s garment and textile industry, including entrepreneurs and factory workers.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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