JAKARTA - Trade Minister Budi Santoso encourages labor-intensive industry players to increase exports by utilizing Indonesia's various trade agreements that have been agreed with a number of partner countries.
The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has reiterated its commitment to continue strengthening synergies with export-oriented industry players to expand market access while improving the competitiveness of Indonesian manufacturing products in the global market.
"Indonesia has various trade agreements that can be used by Indonesian products. The government continues to fight for labor-intensive manufacturing products to obtain more competitive tariffs in export destination countries," said Budi Santoso in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday (15/7/2026).
The statement was made after a meeting between the Minister of Trade and representatives of Epson headquarters and PT Indonesia Epson Industry at the Ministry of Trade Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (14/7/2026).
Encourage Expansion of Exports to Africa and the Middle East
During the meeting, Budi appreciated Epson's plan to expand the export market to the African and Middle Eastern regions.
According to him, this step is in line with the government's strategy to strengthen the penetration of Indonesian products into non-traditional markets that have high growth potential.
"Expanding the export market to nontraditional countries is one of the government's focuses to improve Indonesia's trade performance," he said.
Indonesia has 20 active trade agreements.
Budi revealed that Indonesia currently has 20 trade agreements that have been implemented, 15 agreements that are still in the process of ratification, and 11 agreements that are in the negotiation stage.
These various agreements are expected to provide wider market access while improving the competitiveness of national export products through a more competitive tariff scheme.
The Ministry of Trade also optimizes the role of the network of trade representatives of the Republic of Indonesia which is spread in 33 countries to help business actors overcome various export barriers in the target market.
Ministry of Trade Strengthens Support for Exporters
In addition to opening market access through trade agreements, the Ministry of Trade continues to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the smooth running of export activities, including the resolution of logistical issues and regulatory certainty.
"The Ministry of Trade will continue to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to help solve various obstacles faced by exporters," said Budi.
He hopes that more national manufacturing companies, especially the labor-intensive industrial sector, can utilize Indonesia's various international trade facilities to increase export volumes and strengthen the competitiveness of national products in the global market.
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