Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Japfa exported fishery products worth Rp13.3 billion to Japan, Timor Leste, the Philippines, and the United States in early 2020.

The company exported eel and shrimp feed from Banyuwangi, East Java Province, to Japan and Timor Leste; fillet and tilapia loin from Medan, North Sumatra Province, to the United States; and processed tilapia loin from Cirebon, West Java Province, to the Philippines.

Processed eel products from Banyuwangi were identified as having the best quality in Indonesia, Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade Indrasari Wisnu Perdana noted in a statement here on Friday.

Wisnu Perdana, Director General of Maritime and Fisheries Product Competitiveness Agus Suherman, and Banyuwangi District Head Abdullah Azwar Anas in Banyuwangi saw off the dispatch of fishery product exports.

Wisnu Perdana lauded the fishery product exports, as it could help reduce the trade deficit and support the export target set by the government.

"Currently, Indonesia's exports are still supported by primary commodities. To this end, it is necessary to veer to manufactured products that have added value. In addition to providing the largest contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), the manufacturing industry has an important role in creating employment, so that it will have an impact on reducing unemployment," he remarked.

He also lauded Japfa, as a national company, which always supports the government's programs by increasing the export volume of national livestock and fishery products and contributing to the country's foreign exchange earnings.

The Ministry of Trade is committed to continuing to support investment and domestic industrial growth, among others, by simplifying policies to boost exports.

"To materialize this, the government’s role is still needed, both the central and regional governments. This is by conducting synergy between agencies as directed by President Joko Widodo, among other things," he added.

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Translator: Sella PG, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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