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)