"South Africa plays an important role as a gateway for Indonesias exports to other African countries, such as Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland," the Head of Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Johannesburg, Pontas Tobing, said in a press release received by ANTARA here on Thursday.
Pontas informed that some potential buyers have expressed an interest in bringing these products to the South African market and then distribute these across the African continent.
Indonesias participation in the AB7 is part of the efforts to boost exports and penetrate the South Africa as a non-traditional market.
According to Pontas, South African firms showed much enthusiasm about Indonesias food and beverage products, reflected in the high demand. These products are of good quality and meet health standards.
The AB7 is the most prestigious consumer goods exhibition in Africa, and its 2016 edition saw the participation of 72 countries and 13 thousand buyers, all engaged in food and beverage industries, food and beverage technologies, retail products and food business.
Indonesias participation was initiated by the ITPC in Johannesburg in cooperation with the Association of Food and Beverage of Indonesia (GAPMMI).
For the exhibition, featuring eight Indonesian companies, the ITPC in Johannesburg cooperated with the Consulate General in Cape Town. The latter organized business matches for the Indonesian participants with the help of Chamber of Commerce of Cape Town to explore business potential in the southern region of South Africa.
The trade balance between Indonesia and South Africa in April 2016 recorded a surplus of US$121.72 million.
Meanwhile, the value of Indonesias exports to South Africa amounted to US$205.11 million and Indonesias import from South Africa amounted to US$83.39 million.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
