Heaptalk, Jakarta — Minister of Trade Zulkifli ‘Zulhas’ Hasan invited all stakeholders and publics to see the trade sector optimistically welcoming 2024.
According to Zulhas, in the middle of the global uncertainty, Indonesia has achieved several significant achievements under the trade sector in 2023. Said several achievements being the success of the government maintaining inflation, achieving a trade surplus throughout the year, to policies that are progressively supportive of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as domestic industries.
That matter was conveyed on Thursday (04/01) in the ‘Press Conference on 2023 Trade Performance Achievements and 2024 Trade Outlook’ at the Ministry of Trade Office, Jakarta. In that press conference, there was also Vice Trade Minister Jerry Sambuaga and echelon I officials of the Ministry of Trade.
“We are entering optimistically 2024 but also stay alert of the challenges later in the future. The prediction of global economic growth by several international organizations shows a slowdown. However, the trade performance in 2023 gave an optimism to achieve a higher economic growth for 5,20% in 2024. The key factor of the 2024 trade performance is a collaboration and synergy from all stakeholders notably, the government, business owners, academics, community, and pers,” said Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan.
He also added, the inflation is predicted to be under control in the range of 1,5-3,5% according to the 2024 target. The government will try to support the growth of non-oil and gas exports according to the target range 2,5-4,5% despite the relatively stable nature of global commodity prices.
“The economic and trade uncertainties in 2023 are caused by the geopolitical tension, climate change, and food and energy crisis. Amidst the changes, we are thankful for the data by Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) showing there was an inflation in December 2023 for 0,41%. This means the government has succeeded in managing the stock of essential goods for Christmas and New Year,” said the Trade Minister Zulhas.
According to the Trade Ministry’s data, the trade balance surplus for the period of January–November 2023 also needed to be seen as an achievement despite the global uncertainties. “Moreover, we can still record a positive trade surplus of USD33,63 billion for January–November 2023 period as stated by BPS,” said Zulkifli ‘Zulhas’ Hasan.
Zulkifli Hasan also declared the Ministry of Trade also played a role in planning and implementing the policy that protects MSMEs and consumer rights. It was realized through the publication of Minister of Trade Regulation Number 31 of 2023 concerning Regulation of business licenses, Advertising, Guidance, and Supervision for trading through electronic systems. Moreover, the Ministry of Trade also conducts the disposal of second-hand clothing (thrifting).
Editorial team: Wulan Dari, Prazna Alyfia Ghefira
