Governor Khofifah urges East Java MSMEs to strengthen global market networks

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has encouraged the province’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen their international networks in order to expand global market access during a visit to Indo Market in Hong Kong. “We invite all MSMEs, particularly those from East Java, to enhance their networking and product quality standards to seize this golden opportunity to go global. Together, we can ensure that Indonesia and East Java are not just consumers but also major players in the world’s halal market,” Khofifah stated on Friday. The visit was part of the East Java Provincial Government’s Trade and Investment Mission in Hong Kong. Accompanied by Manager of Financial and Professional Services at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chasel Lam and Head of the East Java Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Agency (DPMPTSP) Dyah Wahyu Ermawati, Khofifah toured Indo Market. She observed a variety of Indonesian products on sale, ranging from food and beverages to cooking spices and daily necessities. The retail chain boasts nearly 20 outlets and is one of the largest Southeast Asian product supermarket networks in the region. According to Khofifah, Indo Market serves as a strategic showcase for Indonesian products to enter the Hong Kong and international markets. “Indo Market is not just an ordinary retail store; it is a primary showcase that bridges Indonesia’s superior products so they can be recognised and compete globally in the international market,” she said. She noted that the presence of Indonesian products abroad demonstrates their ability to meet international market standards. Various items familiar to Indonesians, such as snacks, drinks, cooking spices, pecel sauce, and other processed products, are available at the outlet. “So many products that we have in Indonesia are actually sold here. This is certainly proof that our products are no less competitive than foreign products. Hopefully, this will strengthen and encourage our MSMEs to penetrate the global market,” she added. Khofifah also remarked that cuisine is an effective medium for introducing Indonesian culture to the international community while strengthening cultural diplomacy. “We agree that cuisine has always succeeded as the most effective means of cultural diplomacy anywhere,” she said. In addition to being a promotion centre for Indonesian products, Indo Market also serves the needs of Indonesian citizens, particularly Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), students, and the diaspora living in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, HKTDC’s Chasel Lam welcomed the visit, stating that Indo Market not only meets the needs of the Indonesian community in Hong Kong but also introduces Indonesian cuisine to the local population. “As we know, Indo Market offers a wide variety of authentic Indonesian foods, from traditional snacks to local beverages,” he said. Lam expressed hope that the visit would open up broader trade, investment, and economic partnership opportunities between East Java and Hong Kong. “Thank you for the visit by the Governor of East Java and the delegation from the East Java Provincial Government to open doors for wider cooperation and investment opportunities between East Java and Hong Kong,” he concluded.