"We have to have a growing global market for our products in order to maintain our high economic growth. Therefore, we must keep working on our expansion plans," Yudhoyono said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged the Indonesian business community to improve the competitiveness of domestic products, through innovation and efficient production, in order to boost exports.

"Our products must be competitive in the global market and this is a challenge for the industry sector. The government will also make efforts to improve infrastructure and logistics in order to increase exports. If the competitiveness of our local products increases, we will have a number of high-quality products to export to the global market," he said at the opening of Indonesian Trade Expo here on Wednesday.

The President stated that the event would provide Indonesian businessmen with an opportunity to cooperate with many foreign companies attending the event. Therefore, he urged the nation's business community to "make the best of it".

"I am committed to promoting free international trade and discouraging protectionist trade," he said.

President Yudhoyono noted that the Indonesian economy had been resilient in the face of the current global economic uncertainties. Therefore, he called on Indonesian companies to expand into new markets.

"We have to have a growing global market for our products in order to maintain our high economic growth. Therefore, we must keep working on our expansion plans," he explained.

The head of state also presented awards to a number of businessmen, which were classified under many categories such as "Good Exporter Performance" and "Global Brand Developer".(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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