HOLOPIS.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso has encouraged export-oriented manufacturers to expand overseas shipments by taking advantage of the country’s growing network of international trade agreements.
“Indonesia has trade agreements that can benefit Indonesian products, including Epson’s. The government continues to push for more competitive tariffs for labor-intensive manufactured goods in export markets,” Santoso said, Holopis.com reported, Wednesday (15/7).
Santoso made the remarks after meeting representatives from Seiko Epson Corporation and PT Indonesia Epson Industry at the Ministry of Trade in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Yamada Yoichi, Chief Operating Officer of the Printer Office & Home Solutions Operations Division at Seiko Epson Corporation. The meeting focused on expanding exports of Indonesian-made electronics and addressing challenges faced by exporters.
According to Santoso, Indonesia currently has 20 trade agreements in force, while 15 agreements are undergoing ratification and 11 others remain under negotiation.
He said the agreements are expected to create broader market access for Indonesian products and encouraged Epson to increase exports from its Indonesian manufacturing facilities.
Santoso also welcomed Epson’s plans to expand exports to Africa and the Middle East, describing the regions as priority non-traditional export markets for Indonesia.
He said the Ministry of Trade, through its network of trade attachés and Indonesia Trade Promotion Centers (ITPCs) in 33 countries, is ready to assist Indonesian exporters in overcoming market access and regulatory challenges abroad.
“If Indonesian products encounter obstacles in export markets, we are ready to help through our trade representatives and Indonesia Trade Promotion Centers,” he said.
Yamada thanked the Indonesian government for supporting the company’s export activities and said Epson products continue to enjoy strong demand in the Indonesian market.
He also highlighted the importance of efficient logistics and regulatory certainty to support exports and long-term business growth.
Santoso said the ministry would continue coordinating with other government agencies to address challenges faced by exporters and strengthen Indonesia’s export competitiveness.
