"At present two-way trade between South Africa and Indonesia reaches US$2.3 million."Batam (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to discuss a joint trade commission meeting in August 2013 as part of efforts to increase bilateral trade, a Foreign Ministry official said.
"The economic cooperation agreement is part of Indonesia`s diplomatic efforts which put Africa in the list of priorities to increase trade relations. So cooperation with countries in the region must be intensified," the ministry`s director for African affairs, Lasro Simbolon, said here on Wednesday.
The bilateral economic cooperation is also part of the efforts to spur Indonesia`s exports. What is more, Indonesia has so far enjoyed a surplus in its trade with South Africa, he said.
"Besides South Africa, Nigeria is now the second biggest destination of Indonesian exports in Africa. Nigeria is also one of the countries exporting oil to Indonesia," he said.
Indonesia`s exports to South Africa include automotive, textiles, foods, crude palm oil and farm tools, while its imports from the African countries include cotton, horticultural products, wine and jewelry.
"At present two-way trade between South Africa and Indonesia reaches US$2.3 million. In total, Indonesia`s trade with African countries now reaches an estimated US$10 billion," he said.
He expressed hope that Indonesia`s strategic industries can expand their market in South Africa following the August 2013 meeting.
Indonesia currently sees Africa as one of priority destinations of its exports after the country has enjoyed good economic cooperation with countries in other regions, he said.
(Reporting by Larno, editing by Suharto)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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