Talks explore free trade agreement with Indonesia
The Trade Minister, Simon Crean, will today meet Indonesian officials in a bid to open up trade between the two countries.
Mr Crean says he's concerned by the increasing number of countries moving towards protectionism.
The recent US economic stimulus package included a 'buy American' provision, and Indonesia has ordered its civil servants to use local rather than imported products.
Mr Crean says he'll also raise the possibility of setting up a free-trade agreement between Australia and Indonesia.
"This is a trade relationship that has been underdone," he says.
"We need to try and expand the opportunities but not only in the goods we trade with each other, but the services and investment as well."
Mr Crean says he's concerned by the increasing number of countries moving towards protectionism.
The recent US economic stimulus package included a 'buy American' provision, and Indonesia has ordered its civil servants to use local rather than imported products.
Mr Crean says he'll also raise the possibility of setting up a free-trade agreement between Australia and Indonesia.
"This is a trade relationship that has been underdone," he says.
"We need to try and expand the opportunities but not only in the goods we trade with each other, but the services and investment as well."