New Trade Minister Says He’s Committed to Rebuilding Economy Amid Pandemic

Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi delivers press statement after being inaugurated, Wednesday (23/12), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

Ministry of Trade will immediately take measures to restore people’s purchasing power and ensure the flow of goods amid COVID-19 pandemic, the newly-appointed Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi has said.

“My main agenda for this short period of time is to make sure that the flow of goods goes well and to immediately restore the people’s purchasing power,” Lutfi said after being inaugurated by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (23/12).

The Minister, who previously served as Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States, also said he wanted to ensure that Indonesian products have the opportunity to compete in the global market even in the current world’s economic slowdown due to pandemic.

“I want to ensure that Indonesian goods have the opportunity to compete well in the global market,” he said.

Lutfi expressed belief that trade sector can be part of the measures to build national economy and is also expected to become a new leverage for the growth of Indonesian economy. (DND/UN) (EST/EP)