Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized collaboration as crucial for Indonesia's journey towards becoming a global Muslim fashion hub.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) on Wednesday, he acknowledged the challenges involved in achieving this goal.

Establishing Indonesia as a center for Muslim fashion and the halal industry is essential, he emphasized, urging the government and fashion designers to work together to achieve the goal.

"Without collaboration, we cannot produce something spectacular," he said. "This goal is a priority program for us."

Hasan stated that his ministry is actively supporting this initiative through various efforts, including trade diplomacy, trade agreements, and promotional campaigns in non-traditional markets like the Middle East, India, Africa, South America, and beyond.

Trade promotions aim to increase the value of exports, including in the textile sector, he added.

"Business-matching events, exhibitions, digital marketing campaigns, and participation in events like New York Fashion Week are all part of our strategy to boost exports," he said.

The 2025 JMFW is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Trade, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), and other relevant ministries and agencies.

The event aims to showcase a diverse range of products, including modest fashion apparel alongside supporting industries like textiles, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories, and lifestyle essentials.

The 2024 JMFW, which took place in 2023, featured over 214 designers showcasing more than 1,000 collections. The event concluded with a successful increase in transactions, reaching US$20.1 million compared to US$13.2 million in 2022.

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