Trade Minister: Indonesia-Malaysia to Strengthen Entikong-Tebedu Border Trade

The governments of Indonesia and Malaysia are committed to strengthening cross-border trade, particularly in the Entikong region of West Kalimantan and Tebedu in Sarawak.

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso stated that this strengthening is one of the outcomes of discussions during the 4th Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) ministerial-level meeting held at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Thursday.

“Our shared commitment is towards the effective implementation of the Border Trade Agreement, as well as continuous efforts to facilitate border trade and support economic connectivity, especially in the Entikong-Tebedu border area,” said Budi.

According to Budi, strengthening border trade is part of both nations’ efforts to ensure that bilateral cooperation provides tangible benefits.

The JTIC serves as a bilateral forum between Indonesia and Malaysia, acting as a platform to discuss various issues, challenges, and opportunities in the fields of trade and investment.

During the meeting, both countries also discussed market access and trade facilitation, including for agricultural and food products. Discussions were directed towards resolving various issues that remain obstacles to bilateral trade.

In addition to border trade, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to strengthen investment cooperation and encourage the creation of a conducive investment climate in both countries.

Both nations will also continue cooperation in several other areas of mutual interest, including e-commerce, agriculture, halal products, and standards.

Budi expressed confidence that the results of the 4th JTIC meeting will further strengthen Indonesia-Malaysia trade and investment relations while deepening economic cooperation between the two nations.