This is the directive of the President, (and) of course we, as industry coaches, can continue to encourage the development and competitiveness of the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, on Tuesday said his ministry is pushing for the development of the country’s industrial sector, especially businesses related to the health sector.



"This is the directive of the President, (and) of course we, as industry coaches, can continue to encourage the development and competitiveness of the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector," the minister said during a web seminar entitled 'Indonesian PPE is Ready to Protect Medical Workers Worldwide’ on Tuesday.



For that reason, the Ministry of Industry is focusing on improving the performance of industries that still enjoy a high demand in the market despite the COVID-19 pandemic, including industries producing PPEs, medical devices and ethanol, masks and gloves, pharmaceuticals, and phytopharmaca, as well as the food and beverage industry.



"These sectors can be optimized to strengthen the trade balance," he said.



He noted that in the first quarter of 2020, the chemical, pharmaceutical, and traditional medicine industries were able to grow the most at 5.59 percent.



This positive performance was achieved amid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the industry still recorded a high demand in the market, he explained.



Minister Gumiwang stressed that the government is continuing to strive to maintain performance and provide support to boost the productivity of companies so industrial activities can continue to take place and people's needs are fulfilled. (INE)


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Translator: Sella Panduarsa Gareta/Aria Ci
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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