Semarang (ANTARA) - The integration in the ASEAN Tariff Finder system, which helps regional business actors, signals progress in the implementation of the ASEAN free trade agreement (AFTA), Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, also known as Zulhas, stated.
“The ministers also recorded the ASEAN Tariff Finder. This is a facility for ASEAN business actors to seek information regarding tariffs. This is what we have completed. We will launch it later this afternoon," Zulhas said.
Speaking after attending the AFTA Council Meeting as a series of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday, Zulhas said the use of the ASEAN Tariff Finder will help business actors in Southeast Asia find accurate, up-to-date tariff information in one portal.
Integration in the ASEAN Tariff Finder is also expected to help business actors prepare business plans and export-import strategies. It can also reduce risks to business actors due to a lack of trade and customs information.
He stated that on Saturday afternoon, ASEAN economic ministers, who attended the 55th AEM 2023 in Semarang, will launch "New ASEAN Tariff Finder."
After the AFTA meeting, Zulhas also held a bilateral meeting with Singapore.
Zulhas noted that Indonesia and Singapore had agreed to set up a working group for an annual trade ministerial level meeting between Indonesia and Singapore.
"I agree bilaterally, because our trade volume with Singapore is quite large, and it is necessary, a close neighbor," Zulhas remarked.
Related news: Indonesia calls for ASEAN collaboration to bolster intra-ASEAN trade
Related news: Indonesian envoy appointed as Chair of ASEAN Committee in Washington
