Indonesia wants economic ties with Ilonggos
Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Prof. Irzan Tandjung, PhD said his government wants to promote economic relationship with the people of Iloilo.
He disclosed that Philippine products increased by 30 percent in the shelves of Indonesian market.
Ambassador Tandjung was in Iloilo Friday as the guest speaker of the 2nd Quarter General Membership meeting of the Iloilo Business Club. The Ambassador was with Dr. Alexander Barus, Indonesian Industrial and Commercial Attaché and another Indonesian official.
The ambassador who wants to be called as professor said they aim to increase trade and investment among the people of Iloilo and Indonesia. He said they are hoping that something good will be produced out of their visit in Iloilo City.
Professor Tandjung said they are just starting and they want to explore whatever opportunities that could benefit the people of Iloilo. He could not categorically cite yet on what aspect of the trade and industry his government is interested to get into.
Ambassador Tandjung's group had a courtesy call at the office of Mayor Jerry Treñas before they joined the business group for a meeting. As a courtesy gesture, the visiting group handed an Indonesian government seal to the chief executive. In return, the mayor gave them a box containing goodies from the oldest bakeshop in Iloilo.
Dr. Barus said there is no restriction on Philippine products when exported to Indonesia.
Dr. Barus' clarification was in response to the reported restrictions on Philippine products while the Indonesian products flooded the different supermarkets in the country. Indonesian products such as detergents, spare parts and other food products are available in the supermarkets.
The Philippine products freely entered the Indonesian market after the Indonesian government found out that there is no truth to the reports on low quality Filipino exports, said Barus.