A delegation of officials representing Australia’s horticultural industry is set to arrive in Jakarta on 21 April to negotiate reopening the Indonesian market for Australian exports.
Representatives from Citrus Australia, the Australian Table Grape Growers Association and the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association plan to meet with Indonesian import officials in Jakarta.
This move follows a recent announcement made by the Indonesian government conceding that import quotas have not been successful and will be lifted only six months after coming into effect.
The Australian government has expressed its support for the US’ decision to challenge Indonesia’s horticulture import restrictions in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Problems caused by the restrictions have been well documented, with stories emerging of domestic shortages, price inflations and allegations of corruption and import fraud.
The Australian Agriculture Department (DAFF) has said that Australian officials have raised concerns about Indonesia’s import quota both at an official and ministerial level.
Indonesia was formerly a highly lucrative market for exports of Australian produce, with industry workers at all levels keen to see it reopened.
