The exports hit a record high of US$7.2 billion in 2008, Director General of International Trade Cooperation at the Trade Ministry Gusmardi Bustami said at a discussion organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for the Middle East Committee here on Wednesday.
Indonesia`s non-oil/non-gas exports to the Middle East mostly went to United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Iran, he said.
Non-oil/non-gas exports to United Arab Emirates rose from US$1.2 billion in 2009 to US$1.4 billion in 2010, Saudi Arabia from US$956.2 million to US$1.2 billion, Turkey from US$678.4 million to US$1 billion, Egypt from US$708.8 million to US$855.7 million and Iran from US$506.9 million to US$639.3 million.
"We need to eye other countries to expand the market for our commodities," he said.
Indonesia`s exports to the Middle East mainly consisted of crude palm oil, paper, textiles, rubber, electronic appliances and motor vehicles.
Tanza D.J.U Warganegara, sales director of Sinarmas Pulp and Paper Products for the Middle East, Africa, India and Oceania, said the Middle East was also potential market for other Indonesian products such as furniture, tires, food and beverages.
(Uu.S012/H-NG/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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