RI Expects More Coop With New Zealand

Jakarta, May 20 (Antara) - Vice Trade Minister Bayu Krisnamurthi said Indonesia expected it could increase cooperation with New Zealand without turning itself only a market destination. "I hope we can make economic cooperation with New Zealand stronger in that we are not only used as a market destination," said Krisnamurthi after opening New Zealand-Indonesia Business Forum 2013 here, Monday. According to him, Indonesia is difficult to develop trade balance with New Zealand as the state market condition is relatively small. As New Zealand can produce and fulfill their own commodity needs, the Vice Minister admitted the condition makes Indonesia difficult to offer products to the country. Krisnamurthi said export products from Indonesia to New Zealand consist of Crude Palm Oil, local tropical fruits, cotton, and coffee. He said Indonesia-New Zealand trade cooperation can be bigger than the current condition. "What we thought is a bilateral cooperation that can boost our products to reach bigger market, such as ASEAN area. We should not pursue mutual relations from trade cooperation only that will limits potential," Krisnamurthi said. He stated Indonesia and New Zealand can also boost cooperation in the geothermal energy sector and both states should find approaches to develop the cooperation. "As an example, we can cooperate on developing geothermal energy so it can be utilized to supply electricity to ASEAN," said Krisnamurthi. He added both countries can also develop the aviation industry sector and discover the wider market potential. At least 52 New Zealand delegates led by Customs Minister Maurice Williamson visit Indonesia to enhance bilateral trade cooperation among the two countries. Several business agenda which are proposed by New Zealand include aviation industry, food and beverages industry, education sector, geothermal energy development as well as banking sector.