Minister Ciobo’s announcement that Australia and Indonesia will move promptly to implement tariff reductions is a positive step towards the realisation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.
James Pearson, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said:
“Australian farmers are set to benefit from these changes, and so will Indonesian consumers as the price reductions are passed on.
“The tariffs on Australian raw sugar going into Indonesia are set to reduce from 8 per cent to 5 per cent, bringing tariffs into line with those paid on Thai sugar, making Australian sugar more competitive.
“This announcement is an important step towards the broader goal of an Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The Australian Chamber wants to see a truly comprehensive trade agreement with our nearest neighbour, one that will benefit Australian and Indonesian businesses across all sectors and consumers in both countries. We’re looking forward to seeing this agreement completed by the end of the year.”
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides advice from the business community into these negotiations through the IA-CEPA Business Partnership Group together with the Australia-Indonesia Business Council, the Australian Industry Group, and the Indonesian counterparts.