"Today marks the first export of tuna from PT Dempo Andalas Sumatera to the United Arab Emirates. We hope this will continue," the minister said here.
He noted that tuna exports from Indonesia are relatively large. The Ministry of Trade will continue to help entrepreneurs expand the reach of tuna exports, including other marine catches.
Currently, the government is targeting the European Union as the main market for tuna exports.
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Around June 11–12, 2025, Indonesia and Tunisia will sign a previously reached agreement regarding the expansion of the tuna export market.
Santoso said that various efforts must be made to achieve the 2026 export target of 7.1 percent.
One of the efforts is implementing the UMKM Bisa Ekspor (MSMEs Can Export) program, which is considered effective in boosting exports from Indonesia, he added.
Based on the records of the Ministry of Trade, as of April 2025, the value of Indonesia's export transactions through the program had reached Rp920 billion (US$55.6 million). The transactions involved 388 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
During a working visit to Padang, Minister Santoso asked the governor and other regional heads to take advantage of the program. In addition to helping business actors, it could also stimulate economic growth.
"The Ministry of Trade encourages West Sumatra to also participate in the UMKM Bisa Ekspor program because we see that its export potential, including tuna, is very large," he said.
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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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