Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on exporters to expand to new markets rather than solely focusing on "traditional markets."

"They have an opportunity to expand their markets. Non-traditional markets must be explored. Do not (concentrate just on) traditional markets," the president stated after opening the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) in the JIExpo Kemayoran, here, Wednesday.

Indonesian products are varied and have the potential to penetrate non-traditional markets.

The government has been supporting exporters by providing the peoples business credits (KURs) at an interest rate of only nine percent for first-time businessmen.

The Indonesian Export Financing Institute (LPEI) is also providing credits to export-oriented businessmen, he stated.

Funds amounting to Rp one trillion have been allocated to support export-oriented industries.

The government is focusing on the development of job-intensive industries that are export-oriented, he pointed out.

Several Indonesian export destination counties are experiencing a sluggish economy, he noted.

"The important aspect is how we could maintain our trade surpluses. The latest data yesterday showed that we are still enjoying a surplus, and the exports still increased as compared to the previous month. It is good," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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