Scope for better trade relations between Indonesia and India, says envoy
VIJAYAWADA: Agus P Saptono, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, stated on Tuesday that India is the biggest exporter of sugar to Indonesia and it also exports rice, meat, onion, red chillies to his country. He stressed that the scope for increase in bilateral trade between the two nations is high. The volume of exports between the two countries has been steadily increasing in the last few years, he said.
The observation was made at a virtual interaction session held on Tuesday by the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) in association with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai, its embassy in New Delhi and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) based in Chennai.
Agus Saptono addressed the AP Chamber members and explained the opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade between Indonesia and India.
The Indonesian officials stated that its GDP is expected to grow 5 per cent by 2022 and the country could become the 4th largest economy by 2050. A total of 57 Indian companies have their presence in Indonesia, they said.
The potential sectors for investment in Indonesia are textiles, textiles machinery, pharmaceuticals, tourism, transportation, salt technology industry, oil and gas, electrical and renewal energy. They invited members of the AP chambers and businesses to register and participate in the trade expo there to explore trade opportunities and establish business partnerships.
AP Chambers president, Pydah Krishna Prasad, president-elect Bhaskara Rao, general secretary Rajasekhar and AP chambers members participated in the virtual meeting and interacted with Indonesian officials.
They said that as Andhra Pradesh is the major exporter of rice, sugar, chillies and cotton yarn, has major ports and four international airports, and three major industrial corridors under development, the Government of India has recognised this state as the Gateway for South East Asia. As such, the bilateral trade between Andhra Pradesh and Indonesia is poised for tremendous growth.
Bona Kusuma, trade attache, embassy of the Indonesia, New Delhi, and Kumarajati, director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), Chennai, also addressed the meeting.
