Open Market Access, Indonesia-Palestine Apply Zero Percent Import Duty

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Palestinian National Economy Minister Abeer Odeh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on goods trade that imposed a 0% import duty on both countries.

The signing was held in a bilateral meeting between the two countries on the sidelines of the 11th World Trade Organization (WTO) Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Tuesday (12/12/2017).

The move to open market access is one of the economic support given by Indonesia to Palestine. "The signing is a form of Indonesian support for the Palestinians in the economic sector in accordance with the mandate of President Joko Widodo. This provision will apply as of January 2018, "explained Enggar in Jakarta, Wednesday (20/12/2017).

Implementation of 0% import duty for Palestine starts with dates and olive oil. "In the early stages, Indonesia will open market access for Palestinians by applying a 0% import duty on dates and olive oil products. Previously, the import duties of these commodities amounted to 5%, "explained Minister Enggar.

Palestinians will also apply the same for Indonesian products. Indonesia asks Palestinians to list products that can be exported to Indonesia and which need to be imported from Indonesia.

"Indonesia is ready to export these products with the import duty rate of 0%. Thus, the Palestinian people can enjoy the product with a cheap price. Potential Indonesian products to be exported to Palestine include foodstuffs, plastic products and machinery, "said the minister.

In addition to opening domestic market access, Indonesia is also working to help Palestinians to become permanent members of the WTO. The process of acceptance of Palestine into WTO members is currently still hampered.

 "Indonesia through the Ambassador at WTO will assist the application process and
Palestinian acceptance becomes a member of WTO, "said Minister of Trade.

In addition to Palestine, Indonesia and Chile have also signed the Indonesia-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA) in Santiago, Chile on Thursday (14/12/2017) ago. The signing is the first Indonesian goods trade agreement in South America.

Indonesia also opens opportunities for Chile to become an alternative source of imports for dairy and meat products. "Indonesia opens opportunities for Chile to become an alternative source of imports for dairy and meat products other than the United States, Europe, and Australia. Indonesia also invites Chile to invest in Indonesia for dairy products, "said the Minister of Trade.