At last year's edition of the event, China was the country that conducted the highest number of export transactions with Indonesia, the ministry's director general of national export development, Didi Sumedi, noted.
"This year, we hope that China will once again occupy an important position at Trade Expo Indonesia," he said at a press conference on the exhibition at the Trade Ministry's office in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to the official, China absorbs a significantly high number of Indonesian export products. The East Asian country regularly imports Indonesian products and commodities that are not available domestically, he added.
Sumedi informed that besides China, the ministry will also target Malaysian markets through the expo. He informed that the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia will sign a memorandum of understanding during the trade event.
Countries from the Middle East, he continued, are also expected to record numerous transactions at the event, especially following the finalization of the Indonesia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE-CEPA).
"This (IUAE-CEPA) provides both countries with another impetus to enhance bilateral cooperation this year and in the coming years. It should be noted that the United Arab Emirates is a country that can serve as a hub that connects Indonesia with other Middle Eastern states," Sumedi elaborated.
He further noted that this year, the Trade Ministry is eyeing a total transaction value of US$11 billion at the expo. In 2022, the total transaction value was recorded at US$15.83 billion, exceeding the initial target of US$10 billion, he pointed out.
"This year's target constitutes a challenge for us because the US$15.83 billion recorded last year is not a feat that can be easily achieved, especially when the global economy is currently experiencing a slowdown. We should work together to exceed the target of US$11 billion set by Mr. Trade Minister," he said.
The 2023 Trade Indonesia Expo will feature offline activities from October 18–22 in Tangerang, Banten, and online activities from October 18 until December 18.
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Translator: Maria C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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