"African countries have shown positive economic growth during the past few years where the middle class population is growing, and the market is large. This is the chance for Indonesia to strengthen trade relations with its African counterparts," Simbolon stated.
He added that although some African countries were still experiencing conflict, this situation was not rampant across the continent. Simbolon used the example of China and India, which have increased their trade with African countries.
According to Simbolon, Indonesia has several commodities that could be sold to African countries: food, textiles, crude palm oil, paper products, furniture and lubricating oil.
"An Indonesian instant noodle brand has become well known in Nigeria, as well as a CN235 aircraft produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which has now expanded its operations to Burkina Faso and Senegal," Simbolon noted.
Following the economic crisis in traditional markets such as the United States and European countries, Indonesia needs to increase its economic cooperation with non-traditional countries such as African countries, he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
