Thailand’s commerce ministry has called for the removal of non-tariff trade barriers that are hampering the country’s fresh produce exports to Indonesia.
In June of this year Indonesia reduced to four the number of ports through which fresh produce could enter the country. As of 20 October fruit and vegetable imports had fallen 29.7 per cent year on year.
Thai newspaper the Nation quoted commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom as saying the reduction clearly showed Jakarta's decision to limit the number of ports had affected trading. As a leading exporter of fresh fruit to Indonesia, Thailand needed to negotiate access arrangements, he added.
Boonsong said trade barriers also included the need for three-year trading contracts and the provision of cold storage facilities.
Thailand would raise its concerns with the World Trade Organisation, the newspaper reported.
Thai fruit exports to Indonesia last year were valued at US$113bn, making up 10 per cent of exports, the Nation reported.
