Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo said the government will explore international trade cooperation and consider joining regional cooperation groups such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno L.P. Marsudi, here on Tuesday said the government is exploring cooperation with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

“We are now analyzing the pros and cons if Indonesia joins the TPP,” the minister said, adding that the government is still participating in RCEP negotiation.

“RCEP is still under a negotiation and it has not been finished yet. We are also analyzing the TPP,” she said.

Earlier, the former deputy negotiator of Vietnam for Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga said that the TPP will bring substantial benefit to the Indonesian economy.

“Indonesia needs to join the TPP. Indonesia could get great advantage by joining the partnership,” the ambassador said here on Wednesday.

Therefore, she added, Vietnam is promoting Indonesia to make a plan and preparations to join the partnership.

The TPP, according to Nga, will help Indonesia expand export market, boost economic restructuring and growth, and build connectivity with the major economic countries.

In addition, she added, TPP will support Indonesia in developing and reforming its socio-economic sectors.(*) By Rabu, 17 Agustus 2016

Source: http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/106280/indonesia-to-accelerate-international-partnership-cooperation