Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita released the results of his visit to South Africa on July 22.
“The visit was to fulfill President Joko Widodo’s promise to President Jacob Zuma who came to Indonesia last March,” Enggartiasto said in a press conference on Monday, July 31.
Enggartiasto said he had signed the third Join Treat Committee (JTC) with South Africa the JTC in 2006 and 2012. He was accompanied by the Director General of Industrial Zoning Development (PPI), Iman Pambagyo, and Director General of National Export Development (PEN) Arlinda.
The latest JTC adopted the Senior Official Meeting on May 4-5 in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa.
According to Enggar, the two countries also discussed bilateral strategies such as tariff barriers between the two countries. South Africa is a member of the Southern African Custom Union (SACU), so the discussion of tariffs should include the SACU. On the other hand, the South African economy is struggling with relying only on the declining mining output. “Some say they are heading into a recession,” said the trade minister.
In the meeting, Enggar explained South Africa intends to export beef to Indonesia, who is still dependent to Australia. Later, Indonesia opened import opportunities from India, Mexico, and Chile so that South Africa has the opportunity to export meat as long as it meets the requirements.
Enggar explained the trade position with South Africa is Indonesia’s total revenue of US $1 billion with a surplus of US $437 million. There are ten Indonesian companies that have established cooperation with considerable prospects, including the tire industry and foods and beverages. “It is encouraging,” he said.
