Argentina, RI trade ties

JAKARTA (JP): Argentina and Indonesia yesterday agreed to intensify their economic and trade cooperation after the second two-day meeting of their joint commission here.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that based on the agreed minutes signed here yesterday, both sides would diversify their reciprocal exports and imports, intensify the visits of their businessmen and participate in trade shows in their countries.

The two countries' governments would also encourage industrial leaders to form joint ventures, the statement said.

The commission also discussed ways to promote partnership in tourism, animal healthcare and technology, according to the agreed minutes signed by Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat and Argentine Ambassador to Indonesia Antonio Seward.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia's exports to Argentina increased by 6 percent from US$45.2 million in 1994 to $47.9 million, while its imports from that country rose 102.8 percent from $110.8 million to $224.7 million. Indonesia's trade deficit with Argentina, therefore, surged from $65.5 million in 1994 to $176.8 million in 1995. (10)