Through this export, coconut will remain the top commodity of the region
Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Central Sulawesi province launched whole coconut exports by shipping three thousand tons of the commodity to China as break-bulk cargo with the help of a global commodity trading company.

"Through this export, coconut will remain the top commodity of the region," Palu city Mayor Hadianto Rasyid said at the release of the export shipment at Pantoloan Port in Palu on Thursday.

According to the mayor, the company's action will have a positive impact on Central Sulawesi region in terms of production and local labor absorption.

Therefore, through the support of export activities, the Central Sulawesi provincial government and the Palu City administration are encouraging the development of a Special Economic Zone (KEK), he informed.

The infrastructure advancement of the Special Economic Zone is being coordinated by the KEK Administrator Agency and regional-owned enterprise PT Bangun Palu Sulawesi Tengah, he said.

The coconut exported from Central Sulawesi to China are still in the form of raw materials, Rasyid noted.

However, in the future, not only raw materials, but also products made from coconuts will be marketed internationally, he informed.

"As the government, we are opening up spaces for investors to invest in this region. We also appreciate what this company has done to help boost regional economic growth," Rasyid said.

Currently, he said, the local government has prepared targets and infrastructure to support industrial activities through the Special Economic Zone.

From there, the region will be able to move the wheels of the economy faster. Thus, the cooperation of all parties is needed for supporting and providing security guarantees to investors.

Rasyid further said that the economic growth of Palu city in 2021 was recorded at 5.97 percent, an increase compared to 2020, when it was pegged at 4.54 percent.

"The economic growth of Palu city was second in Central Sulawesi after Morowali district's 11 percent," he noted.

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Translator: M Ridwan, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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