BEKASI, Indonesia, Jan 15 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santosoon Wednesday sent off export consignments of welded beam steel, measuring 1,200 metric tonnes and valued at US$1.5 million, to New Zealand, reported ANTARA news agency.
Santoso attributed the export realisation to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), which permits zero per cent import duty.
"Owing to the AANZFTA, Indonesia can export its steel to New Zealand without an import duty, facilitating us to compete with other nations," he remarked during the send-off ceremony in Bekasi District, West Java.
He added that New Zealand is a highly valuable potential market for Indonesia's steel products, given the Pacific country's extensive construction projects of bridges and airports.
To capitalise on this opportunity, the minister urged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia to augment the quality of their products, which he considers essential for competing with producers from other countries.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Trade is determined to assist MSMEs in contributing to Indonesia's goal of recording a total export value of US$294.45 billion this year, representing an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to 2024.
To that end, the ministry has been collaborating with Indonesia's trade representatives abroad to promote the country's featured products through various initiatives, such as business matching, trade missions, and international exhibitions.
"Our target is for MSMEs to penetrate foreign markets," he stated while arguing that the ability to export will improve MSMEs' reputation and appeal in domestic markets.
Santoso then expressed hope that steel products produced by PT Gunung Raja Paksi would inspire other enterprises to pursue international market opportunities.
--BERNAMA-ANTARA
