Minister Of Trade Zulhas Releases US$4 Million PT Gunung Raja Paksi Steel Exports To New Zealand

Trade Minister, Zulkifli Hasan. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan released the export of steel plate, structural beam, and welded beam produced by PT Gunung Raja Paksi Tbk worth US$4 million to Dunedin Hospital in New Zealand.

"I know that New Zealand has strict qualifications. And this export is proof of recognition that the quality of steel produced by Indonesia is world class and well received," said the Minister of Trade in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, July 26.

To that end, the Minister of Trade requested that these achievements be maintained and improved because in the future the government wants to improve the quality of Indonesian products, goods and services as well as investment. This is to improve the image of Indonesia as an industrial country and hopefully make a greater contribution to the welfare of the people.

Zulkifli explained that currently New Zealand has not been listed as the main destination for Indonesia's iron and steel exports, but the Trade Minister expressed his joy that PT Gunung Raja Paksi was able to penetrate this potential market.

"I hope that in the future New Zealand can become one of the main destinations for Indonesia's iron and steel exports," said Zulkifli.

According to Zulkifli, PT Gunung Raja Paksi's steel products have been used in several prestigious projects including the expansion of Los Angeles Airport (Lax), the Sydney Indoor Stadium, and the construction of the Lucid Motors factory, which is a manufacturer of luxury electric vehicles in the United States.

In addition, several projects in New Zealand, including the Christchurch Metro Stadium, University of Auckland Building 507, and Waimakiri Bridge.

"Therefore, I would like to challenge PT Gunung Raja Paksi to be able to double its exports not only to main destination countries but also to potential countries such as New Zealand," said the Trade Minister.

The Minister of Trade also requested that companies take advantage of various trade agreements that Indonesia has with various countries in the world, such as Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Pakistan, South Korea, Chile, Mozambique, UAE, ASEAN countries, and RCEP members.

"All of them have given special treatment in the form of tariffs, so that the opportunity to enter the market is wider," said the Minister of Trade.

It is known, the iron and steel industry is known as the mother of industries, because its production is used to encourage the development of other industries.

The Trade Minister added that Indonesia is currently the world's 10th largest iron and steel exporter in 2021 with a 3.37 percent share

The trend of growth in Indonesia's iron and steel exports in the last five years is the largest among the top 30 exporters of iron and steel in the world, which is 49.3 percent.