Russia aims to expand exports to Indonesia with timber, metallurgical products - Russian deputy PM

JAKARTA. April 15 (Interfax) - Russia could increase its exports to Indonesia through timber and metallurgical products, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said during an extended meeting of the Russian-Indonesian Intergovernmental Commission on Tuesday.

Diversifying Russian exports to Indonesia is important, he said. "We're already seeing positive developments here. Alongside energy products, we're increasing exports of food and mineral fertilizers. In 2023, Russian wheat shipments resumed. We expect to begin halal-certified meat exports soon. We see opportunities to develop exports of timber and metallurgical products," he said.

Expanding and simplifying mutual market access is linked to concluding a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Indonesia, he said. On Monday, Manturov told journalists the agreement is expected to be signed by late 2025.

During the commission's meeting, Manturov also mentioned plans by Russian logistics companies to develop port infrastructure in the region. "We're paying special attention to transport cooperation, focusing on economically efficient container routes and integrated multimodal solutions. Major Russian logistics operators are also developing investment projects for port infrastructure development," he said.

The day before, FESCO announced plans for its first vessel call at Jakarta port in April as part of its Vietnam-Malaysia line. Delo Group Board Chairman Sergei Shishkarev told journalists about plans to create a dedicated palm oil import terminal in Novorossiysk.

There is also mutual interest in joint shipbuilding projects, with Russian companies ready to offer expertise in hovercraft and hydrofoil vessels, Manturov said.

"We note the mutual interest in shipbuilding cooperation projects. The key potential lies in ship component manufacturing, vessel design and construction, particularly hovercraft and hydrofoils, as well as innovative electric-powered vessels," he said.