A media release from the Australian Embassy in its official website said Emerson`s visit to Indonesia as Trade Minister would be the first of its kind, and come as Australia and Indonesia prepare negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched the CEPA in November last year.
"As the two largest economies in Southeast, there is considerable scope for Australia and Indonesia to strengthen and expand their economic relationship," Emerson said.
"The Indonesian economy, with 234 million people, has been growing strongly and could be in the top 10 globally by 2025," he added.
Besides the CEPA negotiations, the ministers will discuss Indonesia`s ratification of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations.
Emerson and Pangestu will also discuss the finalization of a joint pilot project designed to help improve Indonesia`s cattle-breeding performance.
Indonesia is Australia`s fourth-largest market for agricultural exports behind Japan, China and the US. In 2009-2010, the value of two-way trade between Australia and Indonesia reached A$11.8 billion.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
