Posted on 23 Sep 2008
Indonesia should increase exports to Asian countries
Indonesia should consider increasing the volumes of its exports to other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and India in its strategy of dealing with the US financial crisis, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here Monday.
"Only 10-12 percent of Indonesia`s exports depends on the US market so we are not affected directly by the crisis there," the minister said.
Indonesia`s position was also supported by the fact that its exposure to the US market was smaller than those of other countries.
However, Indonesia should watch the indirect impact of the US crisis since the other destination countries of its exports did experience the consequences directly and had therefore undergone a decline in demand for imported goods, she said.
The minister suggested that Indonesia widen its overseas markets and diversify its exports besides promoting its products and investment opportunities.
"We should maintain the people`s purchasing power," she said, adding that Indonesia should improve its infrastructure and maintain its capability to compete with foreign products.
"In this way, when global conditions get better, we will be ready to compete," she said.
