Vietnam, Indonesia aim to reach 15 billion USD in two-way trade before 2028
Jakarta (VNA) – Vietnam and Indonesia have agreed to lift two-way trade to
15 billion USD or above before 2028, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his
Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo told the press following their talks in
Jakarta on December 22.
The
two leaders said the talks had been a success, and the two sides reached
consensus on a number of important cooperation areas.
The
Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership has overcome challenges and become more
reliable, with stronger economic ties, they said, adding that they agreed to
facilitate all-level visits and effectively implement cooperation mechanisms.
The
leaders said the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation has effectively
realised cooperation agreements and built an action plan to carry out the
strategic partnership for the 2024-2028 period. Two-way trade has been growing
steadily in a more balanced manner, making it easier for firms to diversify
investments and develop the digital economy and transformation, green economy,
renewable energy, tourism, services and flight frequency.
Both
sides also pledged to enhance links in national defence-security, maritime
cooperation, people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges.
President
Phuc said two-way trade hit 11.5 billion USD in 2021, two years ahead of
schedule, and the figure could reach 13 billion USD this year. The two
countries will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic
partnership next year, opening up a new chapter in the bilateral relations.
In
order to achieve the target of 15 billion USD or above in two-way trade before
2028, President Widodo suggested Vietnam create favourable conditions for
Indonesian goods to enter the country, particularly farm produce. He also
agreed with President Phuc’s proposal to boost bilateral investment
cooperation.
Speaking
highly of Vietnam’s trust in Indonesian enterprises operating in the country in
various areas, President Widodo said Indonesia has invested in 101 projects
worth 611.7 million USD in Vietnam. He also hailed the Vietnamese Government
for dealing with problems faced by Indonesian investors.
The
host told the press that the two leaders vowed to boost cooperation in clean
and renewable energy. He also welcomed the signing of deals in energy and
mining, which, he said, will push forward the development of solar energy,
hydrotechnology and smart grid networks. The Indonesian President also
lauded the effective partnership in electric motorbikes and electric vehicle
batteries.
On
tourism cooperation, President Widodo said the two nations will strive to reach
the number of pre-pandemic arrivals and complete plans to launch a new flight
route linking Da Nang and Java, and increase the frequency of flights between
Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.
Regarding
regional and global issues, the Vietnamese and Indonesian Presidents promised
to intensify cooperation at regional and global forums, especially in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations.
On the
East Sea issue, they vowed to work together to promote a united and
self-reliant ASEAN; uphold its central role and maintain ASEAN's common stance
on the East Sea issue; and ensure peace, safety, security and freedom of
navigation and overflight in line with international law and the 1982 United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The
two leaders also said they had discussed Indonesia's priorities during its 2023
ASEAN Chairmanship Year. President Phuc congratulated Indonesia on fulfilling
its role of G20 Chair in 2022 and committed to supporting Indonesia in its role
as the 2023 ASEAN Chair with the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth"./.