The Indonesian-Malaysian Ministers Discuss Border Trade Agreement

VIVA – Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan met the Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both discussed the planned signing of the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Trade Agreement (BTA) which will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Minister Hasan hopes that the signing of the BTA can facilitate and improve the welfare of people on the border of Indonesia and Malaysia.

In addition to discussing the BTA signing plan, he also discussed investment in the hospital sector in Indonesia. Minister Hasan also invited the Malaysian health industry to invest in the hospital sector, especially in areas outside Java.

"The hospital sector outside Java is not as advanced as in Java. This will be a great opportunity to invest in the hospital sector outside Java," he said.

Not only that, but the two ministers also discussed the European Union's deforestation policy that discriminates against developing countries.

Both agreed to work together intensely as Indonesia and Malaysia have the same interests to protect the people and small farmers.

Minister Hasan also expressed his support for Malaysia to host the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) Ministerial Meeting and asked for support in the nomination of the IRCo CEO.

"I ask for Malaysia's support in Indonesia's candidacy as CEO of IRCo for the period September 2023-August 2025. I also ready to collaborate with Malaysia in formulating ITRC/IRCo strategic programs," he stated.