"We must protect local horticultural products because they are related to the future of our farmers," Hatta Rajasa said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa defended on Thursday a six-month ban on the import of 13 different horticultural products, arguing the move is designed to protect local products.
"We must protect local horticultural products because they are related to the future of our farmers," he said after a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs building here.
The minister noted that local farmers have difficulties exporting horticultural products.
At the current harvest time the domestic supply of horticultural products is more than enough and thus, the country does not need to import the commodities, he said.
"So what`s wrong to protect them. We are ready to face any complaint," he said.
The United States has filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenging Indonesia`s ban on the import of 13 different horticultural products.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Suswono said he was confident the government would win the lawsuit filed by the US to the WTO against the ban on the import of horticultural products.
"We do not object (to the US protesting against) a loophole in the policy, if any. And we have prepared the reply. So, we are very optimistic that if the US is fair they will accept our argumentation," he said.
The WTO has given Indonesia until the next two months to reply the US complaint. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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