"The Chinese, Middle East and ASEAN markets have been chosen..."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) expects its paper sales to reach US$5.9 to US$6.3 billion by the end of the year, up 5 to 10 percent from last year.
"Last year APP`s sales reached US$5.7 billion and by the end of this year the company expects they will reach US$6.3 billion with increasing sales to a number of countries," APP Corporate Affairs and Communications Director Suhendra Wiriadinata said here on Monday.
He said APP (Sinar Mas Group) will increase exports to Asia such as China, the Middle East and ASEAN countries.
"The Chinese, Middle East and ASEAN markets have been chosen because they have not been hurt by global crisis. APP`s exports last year reached US$3.3 billion which was higher than domestic sales reaching US$2.4 billion," he said.
He said exports to Asia comprised 60 percent of total sales abroad while exports to the Middle East and Africa contributed 20 percent, the US 10-11 percent, and Europe 8-9 percent.
"It is hoped the world economy will recover this year so that paper demand will continue to rise," he said.
Suhendra said besides strengthening export markets APP also plans to increase production capacity by procuring new machines.
"APP has just invested US$150 million to instal new paper machines through its subsidiary PT Tjiwi Kimia. The installation is expected to be completed in 2013," he said.
(T.KR-IAZ/Uu.H-YH/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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