Trade ties `keep growing despite crisis'

Lilian Budianto ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 11/06/2009 2:37 PM  |  World

Despite the global economic crisis, Indonesia and Tunisia have managed to double their bilateral trade in the past three years, said the Tunisian Ambassador to Indonesia Faysal Gouia.

"Bilateral trade between us was around US$120 million in favor of Indonesia in 2008, a 200 percent increase from $65 million three years ago," Gouia told The Jakarta Post before Tunisia commemorates its 22nd anniversary of the Change, November 7, 1987, when President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, still incumbent, assumed office.

Gouia said trade has continued to grow as both countries have not been badly affected by the crisis. Tunisia is expecting economic growth rates of 3-4 percent, while Indonesia has targeted 4.5 percent growth this year. Tunisia exports dates and fertilizers to Indonesia, and imports plywood, rubber, vegetables, oil, coffee, tea and textiles from the archipelago, said Gouia.

Both countries also expect better trade relations in the future after establishing a joint economic group, which held its first meeting in Tunisia in June. Gouia said the group was tasked with improving trade ties, including tax barriers.

The group consists of representatives from different governmental organizations, such as officials from the trade and industry ministries and the customs office.

"The group will enlist priorities of products that should be exempt from duty to encourage businesspeople from both countries to enter the respective markets.

"The group also ensures that businesspeople will be able to exchange information better as geographical conditions may present difficulties for them from accessing sufficient information," he said, adding that 15 businesspeople would be visiting Indonesia in the near future to study the business prospects.

Situated in the northern part of Africa, Tunisia is well-known for its beautiful white-sand beaches that stretch along its 1,300-kilometer coastline. Tunisia is always packed with European tourists during summer and has also gained fame for medical tourism.

In fact, it retains the second place worldwide for thalasso therapy (sea water spa to heal rheumatic and bone-related complaints) after France, said Gouia.

"We attracted 150,000 tourists who visited for thalasso therapy in 2008. Medical tourism is growing very well now.... People come for treatment and enjoy the country."

Indonesia and Tunisia are participants of the Asia Africa New Strategic Partnership (AANSP) Forum, which will hold its second summit next year in South Africa.

The forum has agreed to focus on eight areas of cooperation, covering food security, energy security, tourism, SMEs, counterterrorism, fighting against organized crime, developing university networks between Asia and Africa and women's empowerment.

Indonesia will sponsor counterterrorism cooperation, while Tunisia may sponsor a tourism initiative.

The forum has also pledged commitment to helping with the capacity building of Palestinians. Gouia said Tunisia has always supported Palestine, just like Indonesia.

"Palestine is one of our priorities in terms of foreign policy... We support the Palestinians to gain independence and create their state."

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