Foreign markets

Foreign markets

From Neraca

I have been following reports about President Soeharto's trip to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. I seriously follow all news in the media and on TV. I also like to enrich my knowledge with information from officials and businessmen who have been abroad in the last two years.

I was impressed to learn the economies in those countries are picking up again. Efforts are being made to improve the nations' economies by increasing infrastructure. General health and nutrition are also improving and natural resources are being processed.

On the surface, I feel that these countries resemble Indonesia in the early 1970's. But their conditions are still quite modest. Tall buildings are rare. People are not yet concerned about fashion and the general public does not own cars, nor fancy television sets.

According to people who visited these countries, Cambodians, Laotians and Myanmarese are in the market for outdated consumer goods such as TV-sets or other electronic goods. Outdated agricultural equipment is also in demand such as egg incubators and manual paddy thrashers.

I believe the needs of Cambodians, Laotians and Myanmarese, are almost the same of Indonesians, particularly those from small towns and villages. It might well be that these countries are a potential market for reasonably priced, simple Indonesian products.

I suggest business parties, especially those with an entrepreneurship spirit seriously consider these markets. I am certain that they offer wide potential, which only needs to be seized.

MUHAMMAD LIEM

Bogor