Tue, 27 Apr 2010

Manado, N Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - North Sulawesi province is on target to dominate the export markets in the Asean countries in the free trade era.

"The commodities produced by the farmers and fishermen in North Sulawesi are needed by Asean countries and therefore we will make every effort to have them exported to our neighbour countries," local trade and industry office chief Sanny Parengkuan said here on Monday.

Parengkuan said most of export food products in North Sulawesi are demanded by Asean markets and therefore he expressed optimism that the demand would remain high.

"To step up our export to Asean markets, North Sulawesi provincial administration is actively promoting various superior products through national and international exhibitions," Parengkuan said.

Meanwhile, North Sulawesi Industry and Trade Office chief for foreign trade affairs Hanny Wajong said the exhibitions were effective for the province`s commodities to penetrate the markets in various countries including Asean.

She said Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia had been the regular buyers of products from North Sulawesi, although it was not as optimal as being expected.
"Asean Free Trade Area can open a wider opportunity for North Sulawesi business makers to export the local commodities," Hanny Wajong said.(*)