India today asked Indonesia to widen the proposed free-trade agreement between the countries to include more service sectors, including health and banking. Before leaving for Vietnam, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma said opening up the two economies for service trade would be a win-win situation for both the countries. He was in Jakarta on a three-day visit.
Indonesia does not allow movement of professionals in health and banking sectors. The services sector is of key interest to India as it contributes over 55 per cent to its Gross domestic product.
Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan agreed to take up these issues with the health department and the Central Bankof Indonesia.
Both the sides agreed to speed up negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
Sharma also raised the issue relating to the non-tariff barriers in pharmaceutical sector and bovine meat exports.He expressed concern over the new mining laws of Indonesia that have affected Indian mining and independent power projects.