Indonesia Sends Trade Delegation To Europe To Increase Exports

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - An Indonesian trade and investment delegation from the Ministry of Trading will tour Denmark, Italy, and Poland, from April 29 to May 4, 2015, to increase non-oil and gas exports to US$458.8 billion by 2019.

"The trade and investment delegation to Europe aims to increase the value of national exports to the European market and invite  investors to invest in Indonesia's economic sectors," Director of Market Development and Export Information at the Ministry of Trading Ari Satria said here Monday.

According to him the programs to be carried out by the Indonesian delegation consist of bilateral meetings between the Indonesian trade minister and their counterparts in Denmark, Italy, and Poland.

In addition, there will be business forum, business matching, and one on one business meeting.

The trade delegates consist of 36 Indonesian business persons who play a role in processed food industry, textile, palm oil and  derivative products, metal and steel, fishery products, tire, plastics, processed coffee, consulting service, and transportation service.

Ari added the ministry is setting up a strategy to expand the country's export market in Europe, including improving the existing market, both traditional and non-traditional, as well as increasing the added value of its export products.

Indonesia's export product structure will be changed from 37 percent of manufactured products and 63 primary products into 65 percent of manufactured products and 35 percent of primary products.

"This is in accordance with the global import needs, which is 67 percent of manufactured products and 33 percent of primary products," Ari added.

During the visit to Europe, Indonesian trading minister Rachmat Gobel will explain Indonesia's interest in establishing comprehensive economic cooperation as well as Indonesia's economy, trade, and investment strategies in the Asian region and at a global level.

"It is expected that Europe will make Indonesia its global production base for European Union's industry, and we will offer mutual cooperation for both parties," Ari said.

Indonesia's exports to Europe (27 countries), especially from  the non-oil and gas sector, is still small, amounting to US$1.22 billion in March 2015. Meanwhile, Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to United States  amounted to US$1.33, and to Japan to US$1.28 billion. (WDY)