INDONESIA ENHANCES TRADE WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

by Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, April 16 (Antara) -  In its efforts to build economic ties and enhance trade  cooperation with African countries, Indonesia hosted a two-day Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) to bring nations in the continent closer to trade and economic cooperation.          Held on April 10-11, the forum facilitated a total trade agreement potential of US$2.3 billion.  On the first day of the forum (April 10), as many as 10 trade agreements valued at $586.56 million were signed while on the second day it managed to record additional trade transactions worth nearly US$500 million.          "This is a remarkable (achievement) that has been recorded in a short period of time," Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita noted in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of the IAF in Bali on Wednesday (April 11).          The IAF also concluded the announcement of business plans from 11 Indonesian companies, with a potential trade value of $1.3 billion.          The Indonesian government is targeting preferential trade agreement (PTA) with a number of African countries to be completed this year, in order to streamline the flow of goods and services of both sides.