Aussie concerned export to RI

Aussie concerned export to RI

CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian Industry Minister John Moore said on Monday the Australian government remained concerned about some exports to Indonesia.

Moore's comment followed his announcement on Sunday that the government would extend US$250 million in assistance for Australian cotton exporters to Indonesia.

"I don't think necessarily the worst is over," Moore told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.

"I think we'll still see some areas of concern, but we stand ready to make a case-by-case judgment on exports to this area." Moore did not identify which export areas were still of concern.

The cotton exporters' assistance, given through the government's Export Finance and Insurance Corp (EFIC), follows insurance cover for wheat sales to Indonesia, announced last month and last week increased to about A$500 million.

"It's important to maintain trade to that area," Moore said.

"If we lose our markets, there are plenty of others there to fill it, particularly America."