MINISTER of Trade Zulkifli Hasan plans to impose high import duties on textile imports in finished form. The move aims to maintain the continuity of the domestic textile industry, which is currently experiencing a weakening. Zulhas, as he is affectionately known, revealed that currently many foreign products in finished form, such as clothing, enter the country. This happened because imports of several types of textiles in finished form were not taxed.

Meanwhile, imports of raw materials, such as yarn, are subject to import duties. "We are currently repairing it. I have studied and found where the problem is," he explained at the Presidential Palace, Monday (16/1).

"There is a tax on imports of raw materials, but on imports of finished goods, there are no taxes for some types. Of course our industry can die. This is what we want to improve the rules, "continued Zulhas.