VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) of East Java  encouraged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the East Java province to explore market opportunities in Africa amid the Covid-19 pandemic, because it has become one of the most potential non-traditional export markets. Chairman of KADIN East Java, Adik Dwi Putranto stated in Surabaya on Saturday (5/9) that the high potential opportunity of the African market was known  after he communicated with Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa, Salman Al Farisi. Adik Dwi also  said that in addition to the total population of 1.2 billion people, Africa has also become the main entrance for Indonesia to various European countries. He added that Indonesia's  export to Africa is still very small. He further pointed out that so far, Indonesia has not been serious to explore the African market. Adik Dwi Putranto stated that amid this pandemic,  when Indonesia's traditional export destination country is slowing down, Africa can become an alternative export destination.

Previously, Ambassador Salman Al Farisi admitted the huge potential of the African market, particularly  for products produced by MSMEs such as batik. He further  said that batik, spices, soap and cosmetics as ell as automotive spare parts are products needed and those products are the excellent ones of East Java MSMEs in exploring this market. He said by exploring  the African market seriously, it can reduce Indonesia's trade deficit, because Indonesia's diplomatic infrastructure with Africa is so good and adequate. Ambassador  Salman also said that in addition to having quite many natural resources  in some countries, Africa  has also a quite  stable economy. Moreover,  Africa still gets several facilities from European and American countries free of export customs and this can be the entry point for Indonesian products to the European market.