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McKinney: Business to be had in Indonesia

USDA Trade Under Secretary Ted McKinney says the agency’s trade mission to Indonesia was productive.

“There is business to be had out here and I think we’re realizing that,” McKinney told reporters during a conference call from Jakarta before the mission ended.

The mission included about 250 meetings between U.S. sellers and potential Indonesian buyers, according to Mckinney.  Many of the buyers expressed interest in U.S. goods, but there are roadblocks, he said.

“What they want to buy right now, I believe, exceeds the ability to get there mostly because of some government regulation we’re attempting to work through,” said McKinney.

It’s up the U.S. trade representative whether to form a bi-lateral trade deal with Indonesia, said McKinney, adding that in his talks with the Indonesians, he was hopeful about that.

“I hinted that at some point, when USTR is ready, we would love to do that,” he said.

The trade mission also included meetings with potential buyers from Malaysia and the Philippines.