"We must diversify our markets. Our exports to the US have now reached around 10 percent. Exports to Asia are bigger," Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said after attending President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono` state address at the parliament made in connection with the country`s 66th independence anniversary on August 17.
According to data from the National Statistics Agency, Indonesia`s non-oil/non-gas exports to the US from January to June 2011 were recorded at 9.99 percent of the country`s total exports, which was lower than 10.52 percent recorded in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the country`s non-oil/non-gas exports to Europe in the period was recorded at 13.35 percent.
By comparison the country`s non-oil/non-gas exports to Asia such as China in the period reached 11.33 percent or up from 10.19 percent in the same period last year.
The country`s non-oil/non-gas export market share in the ASEAN region in the period was recorded at 21.17 percent out of total non-oil/non-gas exports.
"Now exports are growing higher in Asia. We have seen the highest growth recorded in countries that have signed trade agreements with us. That will boost exports to Asian countries including India and China," she said.
She said the government would continue to boost exports to Asia and overcome problems still hindering exports to the region and others.
"We have held sector-by-sector meetings, gathered exporters from all sectors to know the problems they are facing. The main problem they are facing is related to ports. That is what has to be dealt with. The main issue is reducing the high cost," she said.
President Yudhoyono in his speech expressed optimism Indonesia could overcome the impact of the current economic uncertainties in the world following the debt crisis in Europe and the downgrading of US debt rating.
He said the government had prepared policies needed to overcome the problems.
(T.M035/H-YH/HAJM/B003).
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
