Heaptalk, Jakarta — President Joko Widodo instructed the government and business actors to dominate the market and expand exports to non-traditional countries, such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa in his direction through video streaming at the 38th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI).
On this occasion, the President also asked Indonesian business actors to increase their competitiveness. “Indonesia must become an actor and producer who is competitive and controls the market, not only a market,” said Joko Widodo.
He also appreciated the implementation of TEI which allows Indonesian exporters to meet face-to-face with potential buyers to see products and interact directly. He said, “In this way, transaction opportunities will be more open. Moreover, this year we are focused on opening up opportunities from non-traditional markets.”
Further, Joko Widodo is optimistic that exports to non-traditional countries will be a strategy to help expand market diversification. Apart from that, this step allows Indonesian business actors, both MSMEs and industrial players, to progress further and become an integral part of the global supply chain.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga in his report encouraged exporters to utilize the 38th Trade Expo Indonesia not only to promote superior and potential export products in the global market but also to diversify markets. Additionally, this event can also help increase export penetration to non-traditional countries and develop business and investment networks.
Targeting potential transactions of US$11 billion
“TEI’s main focus is business-to-business transactions which are expected to be established in the long term. We are optimistic that this year’s TEI can achieve positive results, although we are currently facing the challenge of a global economic slowdown which has an impact on Indonesia’s export performance,” said Jerry.
TEI 2023 carries the theme of economic resilience, reflecting that this event aims not only to encourage sustainable trade but also as a joint effort to maintain trade performance amidst various global dynamics. Jerry revealed, “The trade balance recorded its achievement over the last 41 months, being able to stay in a surplus position. During January-September 2023, Indonesia’s cumulative trade balance achieved a surplus of US$27.75 billion.”
The 38th Trade Expo Indonesia targets a potential transaction of US$11 billion. A total of 1,542 national companies exhibit their products and services divided into seven zones, namely food and beverage; household; services and digital; beauty and personal care; chemical, energy, and industrial products; medical and health equipment; as well as fashion, textiles, and accessories.
As of October 17, 11,787 buyers had been registered from 110 countries, with the largest number besides Indonesia being India, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China, Australia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Indonesia’s superior products that are most requested include coffee and tea; agricultural and fishery products; spice; furniture; halal food and drinks; textiles and garments; as well as digital services. (Translated by Sinta)
