EFTA and Indonesia meet for second round of negotiations

The round allowed for groups of experts to conduct fruitful discussions and consultations on a broad range of topics, including trade in industrial and agricultural products, fish, technical barriers to trade, phytosanitary measures, trade remedies, rules of origin and customs matters, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, governement procurement, competition, sustainable development and general provisions. A dedicated group addressed cooperation between the parties.

The EFTA negotiating team was led by Ambassador Heinz Walker-Nederkoorn from Switzerland, while Ambassador Soemadi Brotodiningrat headed the Indonesian delegation. The parties agreed to meet again in the last quarter of 2011.
In 2010, two-way merchandise trade between the EFTA States and Indonesia amounted to USD 865 million. EFTA’s exports reached USD 560 million, with machinery and pharmaceuticals as the main categories. Indonesia primarily exported ships and boats to the EFTA States, as well as footwear and apparel. Investors from the EFTA States have a significant presence in Indonesia.