Trade Minister Zulhas: Digitalization Of The Key To Supply Chain And Regional Connectivity

Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan encourages cooperation between the Asian Pacific Economy (APEC) to take concrete steps in improving infrastructure to adopt digital technology in the supply chain industry.

Zulhas, as he is familiarly called, emphasized the importance of the role of digitalization in the supply chain.

According to him, digitalization is the key to increasing efficiency, transparency, and timeliness.

"Digitalization is a key factor in the supply chain and connectivity of the region. APEC needs to take concrete steps to facilitate APEC's economy in improving the infrastructure for the adoption of digital technology in the supply chain industry," Zulhas said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 20.

Zulhasi said the existence of the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) and National Logistics Ecosystems (NLE) platforms was a form of effort to integrate Indonesia's supply chain.

In addition, Indonesia also continues to maximize the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including by utilizing digital platforms and optimizing the National Committee for Trade Facilitation.

Inclusiveness in global markets and value chains, especially for women as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has become an integral part of the structure of the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN).

Furthermore, in the multilateral trading system, Indonesia has actively participated both in the Work Program on E-Commerce WTO negotiations as well as in the petitionary negotiations of the Joint Statement Initiatives on Electronic Commerce.

This negotiations is to formulate a digital trade regulatory framework. In addition, it aims to facilitate and increase the participation of MSMEs and women in global digital trade.

To increase trade facilitation in ASEAN, Zulkifli said, it is currently being intensified to finalize the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations and increase the commitment of the ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreement.

Elements in increasing the commitment of these negotiations include commitment to MSMEs, the environment, sustainable trade, and digitization.

Digitalization, inclusiveness, and involvement of MSMEs are Indonesia's efforts in accordance with APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap (ASCR).

"Indonesia encourages APEC's economy to also implement ASCR. Therefore, Indonesia is committed to supporting and utilizing the results of the meeting of the Minister of Trade (MRT APEC) and supporting priorities for digital transformation and economic inclusion," said Zulkifli.