Vietnam, Indonesia seek to achieve $10 billion trade

He proposed that the two sides increase high-level diplomatic exchanges and extended an invitation for Indonesia President Joko Widodo and his spouse to visit Vietnam. The two sides were also asked to maintain cooperation in the field of rice trading to ensure food security of the two countries.

On the issue of Vietnamese fishermen and boats which were seized by Indonesian authorities, President Quang asked Indonesia to refrain from destroying the fishing vessels, and instead work to resolve the issue in accordance with the humanitarian spirit and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Indonesia Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita conveyed the greetings of President Joko Widodo to President Quang. He affirmed that Indonesia attaches great importance to developing relations with Vietnam, especially in the fields of economy and trade. Speaking of bilateral trade which reached 5.6 billion USD in 2016, the Minister believed the target of 10 billion USD by 2018 is achievable. He said he would convey Vietnam’s petition to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on the issue of Vietnamese fishermen and boats seized by Indonesia. He affirmed that Indonesia will continue supporting and working closely with Vietnam in the APEC Year 2017.