Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - South Sulawesi`s cocoa bean exports in the ten months through October plunged 58.94 percent to US$138.550 million from US$337.471 million in the same period last year on low demand in importing countries, an official said.

The low demand for cocoa beans was attributable to the US and European economic crises, Head of the South Sulawesi Industry and Trade Office Irman Yasin Limpo said here on Wednesday.

Slow production in the upstream industry and low inter-insular trade were also responsible for the drop, he said.

"I believe once the upstream cacao certification process has been completed the selling price of cocoa beans will improve. The current seeds are far better than those for rejuvenating cocoa plantations. Looking ahead, I hope cocoa production will be more than double," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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