RI expects maintain export value at $200m

Indonesia aims to reach an export value in 2012 at least similar with this year’s figure of US$200 million by exporting to non-traditional markets, such as African and Latin American countries, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said Friday.

“Besides strengthening our domestic market and exporting to the Southeast Asian region [ASEAN], we are eyeing non-traditional markets in Africa and Latin America for our main export commodities such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa and mining products such as gas and coals next year,” he said on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization (WTO)'s ministerial meeting here.

“At least we want to maintain this year's export volume worth US$200 million.”

Gita said the market diversification was to anticipate negative impacts from economic downturns hitting Europe and the United States

He admitted that Indonesia has begun to feel the impacts of the economic crisis with weakened demands from Europe and the US for certain commodities from Indonesia and other Asian countries.

He said, however, he was optimistic that Indonesia would be able to diversify its foreign markets to at least maintain the export value and minimize negative impacts of the European economic crisis.

Asked on the results of the WTO negotiations, Gita said developing and developed countries were still trap in a deadlock, especially regarding on three main issues regarding agriculture products, measures against protection and free markets.

"Despite the impasse, WTO member countries are trying to form grouping among themselves to make agreements which are not against the WTO rules,” he said.

“The regionalism is a spontaneous reaction from groups of countries with their common interests.”