ARAB SPRING ISSUE NOT AFFECT INDONESIA EXPORT TO MIDDLE EAST

The Chaiman of Indoneia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Committee on Middle East and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Mohamad Bawazeer

Jakarta, 11 Ramadan 1453/9 July 2014 (MINA) – The issue of political upheaval in the Middle East countries (Arab Spring) apparently did not affect the number of Indonesian exports to the countries.

“Indeed, the issue of the Arab Spring spread in some Middle East countries, but it did not significantly influence the value of Indonesia’s exports to the region,” said the chairman of Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Committee on Middle East and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Mohamad Bawazeer in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Based on the data of Indonesia Ministry of Trade, the total exports in 2013 reached $ 4,742 million. While in 2012 reached $ 4.855 million.

“Although the numbers declined in the 2013, the value is still relatively high so Indonesian businessmen should not be affraid of the Arab issue,” he said.

However, Bawazeer added Indonesian products are still unable to compete with products from China, Malaysia, Thailand and neighboring countries in the Middle East market.

The Alumni of Bandung Tecnology Institute (ITB) oil majors department stated, in quality, Indonesian products can compete with products from China, Malaysia and Thailand. “They need the role of government and relevant agencies to promote Indonesian products to compete in the Middle East market,” he said.

One task of the Chamber of Commerce is to provide facilities, coordination and protection for Indonesian products overseas. “Therefore, we are ready to provide information and cooperation for Indonesian businessmen who want to export to the Middle East,” he added.

Indonesian Chamber of Commerce is a receptacle for Indonesian entrepreneurs. Under the Act Number 1 year 1987, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce is the only organization that embodies the Indonesian businessmen and operational foundation activities guided by the Constitution and By laws which was passed by Presidential Decree Number 17 year 2010. (L/Nidiya/P04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)