Kadin: Garmen And Shoes Exports To The US Can Absorb 200 Thousand Workers

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie said strengthening exports of garment and shoes to the United States (US) could absorb 200 thousand new workers.

In an official statement from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, May 6, Anindya said this optimism is in line with the value of Indonesia-US bilateral trade which can double the export of these garment and shoes.

"We see trade between the United States and Indonesia can double, from around 40 billion US dollars, to 80 billion US dollars, and most importantly because we will export garments and shoes, this can bring up to 200 thousand new workers," said Anin.

"Our main goal is not only to open the market, but also to create jobs and help business actors, including MSMEs," he added.

During the visit of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the head office of Nike's global shoe brand in the US, Anindya revealed that currently Nike exports around 200 million pairs of shoes per year from Indonesia and expresses satisfaction with the business climate in the country.

"We from Kadin want to know further how to add the number from Indonesia," said Anindya.

Apart from Nike, Kadin also had a dialogue with brand-owning companies such as The North Face, Timberland, and Vans.

"They have direct communication channels to the US government and parliament, which can be used to fight for goods from Indonesia not to be subject to high tariffs. This is one of the missions of our visit," said Anindya.

Previously, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also held a meeting with the Chief Negotiator for Southeast Asia of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Sarah Ellerman to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dairy National Council, Export Council, and the US Chamber of Commerce and the US ASEAN Business Council.

According to him, the move aims to expand the partnership network while strengthening Indonesia's position in global trade.

Anindya also stated that Kadin is ready to support the government in the task force for deregulation, trade, investment, and job creation.

In addition, Kadin also held a meeting with Foreign Agricultural Services under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey Indonesia's interest in strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector, especially commodities such as soybeans, cotton, and dairy products.