Minister Of Trade Asks Indonesian Ambassador Candidates To Synergize To Expand Export Market

JAKARTA - The Minister of Trade (Mendag) Budi Santoso asked the ambassador candidate (dubes) to work together to expand the export market in the placement country.

In briefing candidates for the Indonesian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador (LBBP), Budi said that the Indonesian ambassador candidate could assist in realizing the export growth target of 7.1 percent by 2025.

"Hopefully you and your mother can synergize with the Ministry of Trade in expanding the export market to placement countries until the export growth target of 7.1 percent in 2025 is achieved," Budi said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 12.

According to Budi, taking into account various factors such as global gross domestic product (GDP), Indonesia's GDP, exchange rates, and world commodity prices, Indonesia's national exports are targeted to grow by 7.1 percent by 2025 or US$294.45 billion.

He also invited ambassador candidates to support the three main programs of the Ministry of Trade, namely domestic market security, expansion of the export market and MSMEs can be exported.

In supporting export growth targets, the Ministry of Trade is committed to expanding the export market by strengthening trade diplomacy. This effort was taken, among others, through the resolution of negotiations, trade disputes, and participation in international forums.

To date, at least 19 trade agreements have been implemented, signed and ratified 10 agreements, and 16 other agreements are being negotiated.

Budi also asked for a number of supports for strengthening trade diplomacy to ambassador candidates.

First, support through opening market access and upgrading negotiations with partner countries in various forums, both bilateral, regional, and multilateral.

Second, support for the preparation of market information. The Trade Minister expects the role of representatives in responding to issues that develop in accredited countries such as the issue of green and sustainable trade.

Third, support for the massive and effective use of trading remedies antidumping, anti-subsidized, and safeguarding instruments to protect domestic industries.

The Trade Minister conveyed to the ambassador candidates that the Ministry of Trade has 46 trade representatives including 19 Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), 24 Trade Attaches, 1 Trade Consul, 1 Indonesian Trade and Economic Office (KDEI), and 1 Ambassador at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"I task these trade representatives with carrying out missions to increase exports in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), banks, and other related institutions," said Budi.

The Trade Minister also encourages and facilitates exports to emerging markets, as well as supports the transformation of export structures.

This effort includes the transformation of raw commodities with low added value towards high-tech and medium-sized export products as part of the support of downstreaming and industrialization programs.