Indonesia goes for export gold

NATIONAL: Indonesian trade officials have called for Australia and New Zealand to open their TCF markets in the wake of regional free trade negotiations.

The Indonesian Trade Ministry has asked that textiles with an import tariff of between 3.5 and 17.5 per cent be reduced as part of the prospective agreement.

It is understood officials have also proposed zero-tariff facilities for footwear exports. China is the only country to have obtained free tariffs for textile and textile exports from Australia and New Zealand.

Australian trade minister Simon Crean, who attended the ASEAN Economic Ministers Closer Economic Relations talks in Indonesia on Saturday, said it was important to conclude the FTA negotiations in August.

"Considerable work remains but ministers have given a clear signal to officials that the political will is there to try and achieve a substantial outcome this year."