Domart is the first minimarket that sells 100 percent Indonesian products, while also featuring Indonesian foods, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said through a written statement on Wednesday.
"This is not just an achievement, this is a major step forward for economic growth and cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia," he stated.
This opening is a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the two countries, he noted.
According to Hasan, the minimarket also became a means to introduce and promote Indonesian products, including small business products, to Malaysians.
"On the other hand, we also expect that Domart can be the bridge for Indonesian entrepreneurs to enter the Malaysian market," Hasan said.
The ministry is committed to provide support and facilities that SMEs need to improve their production capacity and product qualities, as well as expand their market reach.
The minimarket is expected to become an important part in improving Indonesia's exports to Malaysia.
While in Malaysia, Hasan and Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz signed the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Trade Agreement (BTA) update in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.
In 2022, Indonesia's non oil and gas exports to Malaysia reached US$13.6 billion, which was a 27.6 increase, compared to in 2021. This is the real proof of Indonesia's strength and market potential.
Malaysia is not just a neighboring country, it is also a potentially lucrative market for Indonesian products.
Indonesia and Malaysia have many similarities, both in terms of demographics and geography, which allows Indonesian products to be accepted by Malaysians. Moreover, Malaysia is a potential consumer for Indonesian products.
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Translator: Maria C G P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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