VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen held bilateral talks at the Lotus Blanc Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Wednesday (16 January ), to discuss the development of cooperation between both nations. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, among others, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister A. M. Fachir stated on Wednesday.

"We have a large surplus of around US$400 million in our trade with Cambodia. We hope the (trade) potential will still be large, and there will be new opportunities to develop economic cooperation," he remarked.

Data from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh showed that Indonesia enjoyed a surplus of $401.6 million in its trade with Cambodia during the January-October 2018 period.

Indonesia`s exports to Cambodia comprised clove-blended cigarettes, coal, infantry fighting vehicles and spare parts, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances, garments, rubber, and footwear. Indonesia is exploring the possibility of exporting gas to Cambodia.

Cambodia is a potential alternative market for Indonesia`s export commodities, as the real industrial sector has been unable to independently meet the public`s demand. During the meeting, Kalla also presented a painting of Hun Sen by Indonesian painter Firdaus Alambudi to the Cambodian prime minister.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan, Minister Fachir, Secretary of Vice President Mohamad Oemar, and former House Speaker Agung Laksono also attended the 30-minute meeting. (ant)