India raises concerns over Indonesian import policy

JAKARTA: India today raised concerns over Indonesia's restrictive regime on imports of pharmaceuticals, bovine meat and textiles.

The issue was discussed between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan in Jakarta.

Sharma is in Indonesia with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a two-day visit.

"The Indonesian Minister assured a constructive review of its policy," an official statement said.

Both sides also expressed the need for initiating negotiations on bilateral free trade agreement.

On the forthcoming meeting of WTO in Bali in December, both the nations agreed that in order to maintain the importance of the multilateral trading system, a positive conclusion of negotiations is essential.

"On the issue of food security proposal spearheaded by Indonesia and India among other nations of the G33, both the Ministers agreed that a favourable decision was required to serve the needs of developing countries in fulfilling their food security commitments," it said.

Further, it said that Sharma called for more cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, health and pharmaceuticals.

A delegation of Indian CEOs had also visited Jakarta yesterday and met Indonesian industry leaders at the first India-Indonesia CEOs Forum.

The CEOs from both the sides agreed to promote business to business contacts in sectors like IT, mining and infrastructure, power, manufacturing, construction and services.

The forum was co-chaired by Venu Srinivisan of TVS Motors on the Indian side and by Chris Kanter, Vice Chairman for Trade and International Relations, KADIN, Indonesia.

The bilateral trade between India and Indonesia stood at $20.2 billion in 2012-13, with imports by India at nearly $15 billion.