Tropical Fruit

Indonesian tropical fruit exporters could soon add New Zealand to their potential export markets following trade negotiations between the two countries, according to the Jakarta Globe.

Officials from both countries met in Wellington, New Zealand, on 20 June to discuss opportunities for trade and investment, with a goal on increasing bilateral trade to US$2.9bn by 2024.

'The meeting was a concrete effort by the two countries to increase the trade balance, which would be achieved by opening more access for Indonesia's agricultural products, particularly tropical fruit,' said Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, bilateral trade negotiations director general at Indonesia's Ministry of Trade.

The deal would also see New Zealand companies invest in Indonesian agriculture, energy, education, tourism and food production.

The trade deficit between the two countries has not grown from US$1.1bn in the past five years, with a US$320m deficit for Indonesia, report the Globe.