Indonesia, India bolster collaboration in five key areas
Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met in New Delhi on March 14 to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral collaboration in various sectors, including information technology, health, textiles, furniture, education, and human resources.
Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan during the Indonesia Country Session at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2023 held in New Delhi, India, Tuesday (March 14, 2023) (Photo: antaranews.com)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Indian Commerce and IndustryMinister Piyush Goyal met in New Delhi on March 14 to discuss ways to strengthen bilateralcollaboration in various sectors, including information technology, health,textiles, furniture,♏ education, and human resources.
The Indonesian minister expressed his optimism aboutopportunities to enhance trade and investment relations and cooperation betweenthe two countries. Zulkifli noted that India isa strategic cooperation partner for Indonesia as it is the fourth-largestexport destination and the 21st-largest source of foreign investment. Besides, the two sides signed the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement. The two sides can immediatelybegin negotiating the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which hasbeen under consideration since 2020 in order to optimise economic potentials ofthe two countries, he added. The minister remarked Indonesia is open to negotiating atrade agreement that focuses on the interests of both countries. He also expressed his hope that the Indian government will reconsider its plan to impose anti-dumping import duties (BMAD) onIndonesian viscose staple fiber (VSF) products, which are a supporting rawmaterial for the Indian textile industry, while noting that one of Indonesia’sbiggest VSF producer is interested in investing in India to developeco-friendly lyocell fiber products of better quality. During the meeting, the two ministers alsodiscussed several issues that hindered efforts to increase bilateral trade,including the export of Indonesian tires and fiber products to India and theimport of Indian buffalo meat, automotive, sugar, and rice to Indonesia./.
The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Indian Ministry of Coal are working together to develop and test the underground coal gasification (UCG) technology in two locations in India’s West Bengal and Rahihajit regions.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart on July 7 on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting Bali.
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto recently met Indian Minister of Trade and Industry Piyush Goyal in the US to discuss the benefits of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) regional cooperation.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan during the Indonesia Country Session at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2023 held in New Delhi, India, Tuesday (March 14, 2023) (Photo: antaranews.com) 
