Macedonis Improves Trade Sector With Indonesia

Jakarta - Republic of Macedonia aims to improve trade relations with Indonesia over the trade growing trend of 40.99 percent during 2007-2011, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nicola Poposki said here Wednesday. "Currently 90 percent of Macedonia's trade sector is still oriented with partners in Europe, however we see a very large opportunity for improving trade with Indonesia," he said. During 2007-2011 the value of Indonesia's exports to Macedonia increased significantly from US$1.79 million to US$9.64 million, while imports value from Macedonia to Indonesia also increased from US$107 thousand to US$563 thousand. Posposki said the value of trade between the two countries which is still below US$10 million means that there are still many trade potential that has not been explored by Macedonia and Indonesia. "So far there are many Indonesian companies exporting its products to Macedonia, but we invite more exporters and investors to invest in Macedonia," Poposki said. According to him such Indonesian export commodities that are most absorbed into the Macedonian market as coffee, coconut oil, cinnamon, oil palm, rubber, nickel and paper. That is because the Macedonian industry is supported by a high number of manufacturing sector companies that require raw materials from Indonesia, he said. "But I can estimate that the potential is still very large, as well as export opportunities for Macedonia good-quality food products for Indonesian market," Poposki said. In addition, Macedonia which are experienced in the field of construction and energy is considering some potential cooperation projects for development such as power plants. "I can not predict the potential in detail, however businesses are even more keen to optimize the business potential that exists in both countries," he said. In line with the statement of Macedonia's Foreign Minister, the Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, Suryo Bambang Sulisto, said Macedonia was one of the emerging markets which can be an important trading partner for Indonesia in the future. "As the government's efforts to seek new export markets, we see those countries that have not yet become Indonesian's traditional partners to be embraced and studied to become new trading partners," Suryo said. With the economic growth in Macedonia by 3 percent in 2011, this country which located in the southern part of Europe, is a strategic partner in penetrating new markets in Southern Europe region.(*)