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Laotians and Myanmarese are in the market for outdated consumer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 Outdated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