Minister of Airlangga: Afghan Ambassador Discussed the Potential of Manufacture Industry

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Minister of Industry (Menperin), Airlangga Hartarto today received an honorary visit from Afghanistan Ambassador to Indonesia Roya Rahmani and Indonesian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Arief Rachman at the office of the Ministry of Industry, Jakarta.

"At the meeting, we convey the manufacturing industry sectors ranging from consumer goods to capital goods are still potential to be explored," said Airlangga through a written statement in Jakarta (12/09/2017).

He added that Afghanistan itself is the largest non-oil trading partner in Central Asia with a trade value in 2015 reached USD 36.5 million.

Perku is known, Afghanistan is serious to improve trade relations with Indonesia and to optimize investment in the industrial sector.

Historically, Afghanistan has a special affinity with Indonesia because it is one of the countries that recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. Both countries have established good relationships for 62 years and played an active role in the success of the Asian-African Conference of 1955.

Earlier, the minister hoped, strengthening bilateral relations will bring a significant influence on the economic growth of each country. "In the inter-country trade, from 2011 to 2015, despite fluctuations, it can grow 3.83 percent on average per year," Airlangga said.

In 2015, the total trade between the two countries reached USD36, 5 million, even in 2014 recorded the highest achievement of USD77 million.

Menperin also gave appreciation to the businessmen of Afghanistan who have invested in Indonesia with the value reached USD12, 3 million in 2016. The investment, dominant in the sector of chemical and pharmaceutical industries, while the previous year more in the textile industry.

Referring to BKPM data, the value of Afghan investment in Indonesia in the period January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2016 puts at the rank of the 34 list of foreign investors in Indonesia. The value is greater than the value of New Zealand's investment (ranked 35th), Norway (ranked 36th) or Saudi Arabia (ranked 39th) in the same period.