Widodo made the promise while receiving executives of the Indonesian Beverage and Food Companies Association (Gapmmi) at the Presidential Office here on Tuesday.
Gapmmi General Chairman Adhi S. Lukman noted that the head of state voiced his support for the countrys businessmen engaged in the food and beverage sector.
"We have put forth three proposals to the head of state, and he promised to support us," Lukman affirmed.
On the occasion, President Widodo vowed to continue carrying out deregulation to support the food and beverage industries and to increase their competitive edge.
"We need to increase competitiveness as we are entering the era of the ASEAN Economic Community," he noted.
Lukman said his side had explained to the president that the food and beverage industries are strategic and labor-intensive businesses as the sector offers employment to almost four million workers.
The figure excluded the number of side or unregistered workers who derive benefits as a result of the multiplier effects of the growth in the food and beverage industries, which can reach four folds, he affirmed.
The contribution of the food and beverage industries to the GDP accounted for 32 percent of that of other non-oil and non-gas industries.
Gapmmi hoped the government would support the availability of raw materials as until now, several commodities, such as sugar, salt, and beef were still imported.
"It does not mean that we are willing to import as we hope to get domestic supplies. However, supplies are not always available at home. The problem lies here. The president said he will support it. What is important for us is the smooth supply of raw materials, such as sugar, salt, meat, and others, such as animal products," Lukman added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
