We hope that negotiations on CEPA can be completed as scheduled since both countries have agreed to several things."Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and South Korea are seeking to sign a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will soon pave the way for the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation.
"We hope that negotiations on CEPA can be completed as scheduled since both countries have agreed to several things," Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said after holding bilateral talks with the South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick on Sunday night.
At the meeting, Yoon Sang-jick praised the Indonesian government for paying more attention to the importance of CEPA for the two countries, Wirjawan said.
Yoon Sang-jick will also unveil investment sectors at the Indonesia-Korea Business Investment Luncheon Meeting, which will be held during the South Korean president`s visit to Jakarta on October 11 and 12, he added.
"The Korean government will also encourage Korean companies engaged in the electronic and petrochemical industry (Lotte Chemicals) and automotive industry (Hyundai) to invest in Indonesia," he said.
Trade between the two countries has exhibited an upward trend since 2008. During the past five years, trade between the two countries has always favored Indonesia. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$26.9 billion in 2012, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of US$3.1 billion.
Indonesia`s exports to South Korea during the first half of 2013 touched US$5.8 billion, while its imports from the East Asian country were pegged at US$6.1 billion.
(Reporting by Ida Nurcahyani/Uu.S012/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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