President Jokowi Urges G-20 Leaders to Eliminate Protectionism

President Jokowi enters the room where the G-20 Summit takes place at Hangzhou International Expo Center, China, Monday (5/9). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/Laily)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that trade is the driving force of the economy; yet, in reality today, global trade is facing a litany of barriers and continues to weaken.

Therefore, President Jokowi hopes that the existing multilateral trade system can be strengthened.

“The strengthening of the multilateral trade system is aimed at ensuring a clear and non-discriminative regulation as well as to provide justice for developing countries,” President Jokowi said at the third session of the G-20 Summit at Hangzhou International Expo Center, China, Monday (5/9).

Therefore, in order to reach the goal, President Jokowi called on G-20 member countries to eliminate all forms of protectionism, be it for tariff and non-tariff, because the policy will only bring disadvantages for developing countries.

“Many trade policies of developed countries are implemented by sacrificing developing countries,” the President said.

Based on the reality, President Jokowi reminded of the spirit of free trade and urged G-20 member countries to eliminate free trade barriers.

“We hope the free trade will remain open and consistent with WTO and avoids exceptions for non-member countries,” the President said.

In addition, President Jokowi also hopes that micro, small, and medium enterprises from developing countries can be given more opportunities to be connected with the Global Value Chain and can play a role in the global economy.

In Indonesia, the President added, micro, small, and medium enterprises have played a significant role. According to the President, micro, small, and medium enterprises is the backbone of the country’s economy as they provide many job opportunities, give a big contribution for the GDP, and widen access for productive economic activities.

In the forum attended by a host of world leaders, President Jokowi also stated Indonesia’s commitment to improve business and investment climate in Indonesia as well as a number of Indonesia’s economic policies, including de-regulation, simplifying permits, improvement of trade facilities and investment mechanism as well as adjustment of wages. (DID/ES) (EP/YM/Naster)