"Most MSME products are food and beverages, so they tend to go to countries where there are many Indonesian nationals, such as Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia," he explained during an event to support the export of MSME products here on Monday.
He expressed optimism that this year's national export growth target of 7.1 percent can be achieved through collaboration between the private sector, MSME mentoring communities, local governments, and central government institutions.
Santoso said that such cooperation could help improve the quality of products made by MSMEs so that they can compete in the global market.
"We have the National Movement to be Proud of and Use Local-made Products. However, the key is competitiveness. (Local products) must be of high quality. If we are competitive, we can compete with imported products," he added.
He noted that the Trade Ministry is committed to involving MSMEs in monthly business matching sessions with international buyers.
From January to April 2025, export transactions through the program reached US$57.61 million. According to Santoso, the transactions were conducted entirely online, without face-to-face meetings with international buyers.
"By April, we had conducted 246 business matching sessions, including 165 pitching sessions and 81 meetings with buyers, all of which were held online," he said.
Data from the Trade Ministry shows that MSME business matching activities generated Rp722.76 billion, or approximately US$43.74 million, in April.
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Translator: Maria, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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