President Jokowi Hopes Indonesia’s Trade Balance Surplus Can Increase
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (10/19) officially inaugurated the 37th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City, Banten province.
The event, which adopts the theme “Strengthening Global Trade for Stronger Recovery”, was also held in a hybrid format.
The President expressed hope that the event can book high-value transactions that can increase Indonesia’s trade balance surplus to more than USD10 billion.
The Head of State also expressed gratitude to those who have succeeded in maintaining the surplus for 29 months.
For the record, surplus from January until September 2022 reached USD39.8 billion.
In the meantime, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan reported that Indonesia’s trade balance surplus from January until September this year increased by 58.9 percent compared to that in the same period last year.
“Non-oil and gas export recorded USD207.19 billion or increased by 33.21 percent compared to last year,” Zulkifli said, adding that to support export growth, Indonesia continued to open up market access in partner countries through trade agreements and trade missions.
The Government was also focused on the development of trade potential at non-traditional markets to overcome global economic slowdown, he added.
During the TEI, a number of purchase commitments between exporters and trade partners were signed.
The event, which showcased Indonesia’s flagship products, is held from 19 until 23 October, 2022, while the online exhibition is held from 19 October until 19 December, 2022.
Products showcased at the event consist of seven categories, including manufacture, fashion and accessories, health and beauty, medical equipment, meuble and decoration, digital services, as well as food and beverages.
As many as 2,288 buyers from 176 countries registered for the event.
In addition to the TEI, Trade Tourism and Investment Forum and 2023 Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week are also slated to be held.
During the event, Primaniyarta Award and Primaduta Award will be presented for national exporters and foreign importers who have contributed to boost Indonesia’s exports during the COVID-19 pandemic. (MAY/TGH/UN) (AP/EP)