Vietnam, Indonesia seek to achieve US$10 billion trade

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita

President Tran Dai Quang was speaking to Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita in Hanoi on May 21.

The 7th session is scheduled to take place in August this year in Vietnam, with the aim of promoting further economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

At the reception, President Quang praised the development of Vietnam-Indonesia relations in recent years, especially since the two countries formally established a strategic partnership in June 2013.

He proposed that the two sides increase high-level diplomatic exchanges and extended an invitation for Indonesia President Joko Widodo and his spouse to visit Vietnam.

The two sides were also asked to maintain cooperation in the field of rice trading to ensure food security of the two countries.

On the issue of Vietnamese fishermen and boats which were seized by Indonesian authorities, President Quang asked Indonesia to refrain from destroying the fishing vessels, and instead, work to resolve the issue in accordance with the humanitarian spirit and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Indonesia Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita conveyed the greetings of President Joko Widodo to President Quang.

He affirmed that Indonesia attaches great importance to developing relations with Vietnam, especially in the fields of economy and trade.

Speaking of bilateral trade which reached US$5.6 billion in 2016, the Minister believed the target of US$10 billion by 2018 is achievable.

He said he would convey Vietnam’s petition to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on the issue of Vietnamese fishermen and boats seized by Indonesia.

He affirmed that Indonesia will continue supporting and working closely with Vietnam in the APEC Year 2017.