"Imagine, we send 200 thousand Hajj pilgrims and perhaps millions of Umrah pilgrims annually. We can get trillions (of rupiah) only from Hajj pilgrims, and if combined with the Umrah pilgrims, the number would surely multiply. At present, eggs, poultry, spices, fish, vegetables, and fruits (there are) imported from Vietnam and Thailand," Hasan noted in his statement received here, Friday.
During his recent working visit to Jidda, Saudi Arabia, the minister expressed hope that more Indonesian products would be exported to Saudi Arabia to cater to the demand of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
"We will address this promptly to realize a trade deal between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to ensure more of our products can be exported to Saudi Arabia to cater to the demand from, at least, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and also from locals," he remarked.
He also expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would be the hub for Indonesian food product exports to the Middle Eastern market.
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"We hope Saudi Arabia would be our hub to Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and other regions," the minister said.
The drafting of the trade agreement between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is ongoing, he said, adding that the Saudi trade minister will make a return visit to Indonesia on September 20.
"My (purpose of the) visit here is to ensure that Indonesian products could be available in Saudi Arabia. I will meet the Saudi trade minister in Jakarta at the end of the month," Hasan stated.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Jidda office head M. Rivai Abbas expressed optimism that Hasan's visit would be a watershed moment in the bilateral trade and commerce between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
He affirmed that the minister's visit showcased the government's commitment to enhancing relations with Saudi Arabia.
"The minister's visit demonstrated the Indonesian government's commitment to enhancing strategic trade cooperation between our two countries," Abbas remarked.
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Translator: Sella Panduarsa G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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