Indonesia seeks balanced trade with New Zealand
Indonesia seeks balanced trade with New Zealand
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto hopes Indonesia and New
Zealand can balance their trade which is currently heavily in
favor of the latter.
"Amidst the growing economic ties between our two countries
lately, I would be happy if New Zealand were to increase and
balance its trade with Indonesia," Soeharto said after receiving
the letter of credence from Michael Frederick Green, New
Zealand's new ambassador to Jakarta.
Indonesian exports to New Zealand in 1996 totaled US$100.7
million while imports exceeded $244.5 million.
Soeharto also said he was pleased with Auckland's continued
assistance to Indonesia through the World Bank-led Consultative
Group on Indonesia (CGI).
"As a developing nation we always welcome any cooperation in
boosting our development and people's welfare," the President
said.
Auckland pledged $3.4 million in aid to Indonesia through CGI
for the 1997/1998 fiscal year. It contributed the same amount the
previous year.
Green replaces outgoing Tim Groser who served a three-year
term as ambassador here.
In his address to Soeharto, Green said since 1990 Indonesia
had become his country's second fastest growing export market for
merchandise goods.
"Indonesia also continues to be the second most important
destination for our consultancy services," he said. "New
Zealand's bilateral relationship with Indonesia is taking on
greater substance."
Soeharto also received yesterday the letter of credence from
Cuba's ambassador, Carlos Castillo Calana.
Calana replaces Jorge Cubiles who was ambassador here since
1992.
Indonesia has always supported Cuba and rejected the United
States economic embargo of the Caribbean island state.
Optimistic
Soeharto was optimistic about the future relations of the two
countries.
"Close ties occur between two nations because both uphold
highly the principles of constructive relations between states...
mutual respect for each others' sovereignty, noninterference in
domestic affairs and mutually beneficial cooperation," Soeharto
said.
During his visit to Havana last month, Indonesian Minister of
Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and his counterpart Roberto Robaina
signed agreements boosting investment and bilateral cooperation
between the two countries.
Alatas also formally kicked off the first meeting of the
Indonesia-Cuba joint commission.
Indonesian exports to Havana in 1996 stood at $1.01 million
while imports were just $121,669. (prb)