South Africa was the 23rd largest export market for Indonesia in 2011.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - South Africa has been one of the major non-traditional markets of Indonesia for many years and should now be declared as a long-term economic partner, according to Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan.
"Based on our observation, South Africa is one of our largest export markets for non-traditional products. Therefore, we should embrace it as one of our main partners from Africa," he said here on Wednesday.
South Africa has a population of approximately 48.8 million people, with 65.8 percent thereof being in the age group of 15 to 64 years. Considering the country`s role in the regional and international context, it should be a long-term trading partner of Indonesia, Gita added.
He noted that the total bilateral trade between Indonesia and South Africa reached US$2.14 billion in 2011, up 78.93 percent from US$1.19 billion in the previous year.
Indonesia`s exports to South Africa reached US$1.43 billion last year, an increase of 111 percent from US$680 million in 2010.
Based on the figures, South Africa was the 23rd largest export market for Indonesia in 2011.
Meanwhile, Indonesia`s imports from South Africa last year stood at US$705 million, up 36.62 percent from US$516 million in 2010.
Indonesia`s main exports to South Africa include oil palm, rubber, paper and cars.
The country`s main imports from South Africa are chemicals, wood pulp, ferrous waste and scrap, unwrought aluminium, cane or beet sugar, as well as chemically pure sucrose and cotton.
"Although the trade value continues to increase, there are a few issues which we need to discuss, such as the high tariff rates that hinder access to the South African market, as well as our own regulation on imported horticultural products," Gita stated.
"In addition to these issues, we will also discuss plans to improve bilateral trade and investment, increase cooperation in designing jewellery and quality testing of precious stones, promote partnerships between the two countries` small- and medium-scale businesses, as well as develop special economic zones such as Batam," he continued.
"We still need to improve communication not only at the government level but also among businessmen of both countries. We welcome the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce`s initiative to establish and improve communication with its business partners from South Africa on a regular basis," Gita added.
(Uu.KR-LWA/INE/KR-BSR/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
