Firm urged to boost trade with OIC members<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called on domestic companies
\nhere yesterday to boost trade with other members of the
\nOrganization of Islamic Conference (OIC).<\/p>\n
The President said that enhancing trade activities with other
\nOIC member countries is important within the context of improving
\nIndonesia's exports.<\/p>\n
\"Indonesia's exports to the other OIC members are still very
\nlow, accounting for only one-tenth of the country's total
\nexports. The opportunity to boost the trade with those countries
\nis undoubtedly tremendous,\" he said in his address at the opening
\nof a trade exhibition of OIC members.<\/p>\n
The OIC trade exhibition, held in tandem with Indonesia's 11th
\nexport product and youth entrepreneurship exhibition, is
\nconducted as part of the organization's chamber of commerce's
\nannual meeting.<\/p>\n
Indonesian exports to OIC members increased by 14 percent per
\nannum in the last five years, said Soeharto.<\/p>\n
Indonesian exports to the OIC members reached US$3.1 billion
\nin 1995, an increase of around 80 percent from $1.7 billion in
\n1991.<\/p>\n
Soeharto acknowledged that a number of problems, such as the
\nlack of direct sea and air links, and poor sales promotion of
\nIndonesian products, still impede exports to other Islamic
\ncountries.<\/p>\n
\"OIC members still find it easier to procure consumer products
\nand other goods, from European countries,\" the President said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia still has the opportunity to tap the growing
\nbusiness potential of OIC members, should it be able to boost its
\nsales promotion in those countries, he said.<\/p>\n
\"With the ongoing exhibition and the improving relations with
\nthose countries, we will be able to minimize difficulties,\" he
\nadded.<\/p>\n
Soeharto outlined the importance to Indonesian businessmen of
\nfurther accelerating non-oil exports.<\/p>\n
The role of non-oil exports in the country's economy will be
\nmore important in coming years, particularly in reducing the
\ncountry's growing current account deficits, he said. (hen)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/firm-urged-to-boost-trade-with-oic-members-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}