"Of course, we would like to see an increase from $US 230 billion dollars collected last year, but if we can maintain that same amount for this year, then that is already an achievement in itself," Wirjawan said at a press conference for Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to Wirjawan, there are still many hurdles to overcome within the global economy, so all efforts need to concentrate on increasing exports in a more focused and direct manner.
So far, he said, Indonesian exports have concentrated solely on several traditional markets, such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
That is why, he added, the ministry of trade has also released a policy directed towards countries with non-traditional markets, such as Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America.
"The information gathered from the first quarter of 2012 on the traditional market is still tempting, even if the foundation is not as strong as I would like it to be," he said.
He also stated that the increase in exports is judged not only by volume, but also by the amount of value of the goods exported. If that trend increases, Wirjawan said there is a possibility in 6 to18 months to expect a rise in exported goods with added value.
"Why should we expect exports with added value for the future? Because of the current western crisis that failed to produce a reasonable solution," he said.
During the press conference, he also announced the 27th TEI event that will take place at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran in Jakarta from the 17 until the 21 of October.
The minister said that the target for TEI this year was to reach 2,000 participants, with a target transaction of $US 2 billion or an increase from 1,000 participants, as well as a transaction amount over $US 461 million that was achieved at the 26th TEI event last year.
To achieve this goal, he stated that the Ministry of trade will boost international communications through the Indonesian consulates and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center overseas so they are able to approach and bring in potential buyers that are on target.
(AH/INE/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
