"We will not face a shortage of fruits. Don`t think about that," Hatta said at the Presidential Palace.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will not face a shortage of vegetables and fruits because of its policy to reduce the number of entry points for the import of fruits and vegetables, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said.
"We will not face a shortage of fruits. Don`t think about that," he said at the Presidential Palace here on Tuesday.
The domestic fruit industry will grow well if the Indonesian people are eager to consume domestic fruits, he said.
"If we frequently buy local fruits more and more people will grow and maintain local fruits. Don`t worry about a shortage of supplies," he said.
He believed the policy to reduce the number of entry points for the import of fruits and vegetables does not violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings.
Therefore, the minister added that he is ready to face any charges from the WTO.
"Don`t worry. We are ready to face (WTO) because we do not ban the import of fruits and vegetables," he said.
The government has reduced the number of entry points for the import of fruits and vegetables since June 19, 2012 by issuing the agriculture minister`s regulations number 42/2012 on plant quarantine for the import of fresh fruits and vegetables and number 43/2012 on plant quarantine for the import of fresh bulb vegetables to Indonesia.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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