REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Ministry of Trade focused on meeting domestic market through increased production and strengthening the industry. The decision was taken because 40 percent of ASEAN Economic Industry (AEC) activities are in Indonesia.

"We also focus on exports, because we also need dollars," said Director of ASEAN Cooperation of Ministry of Trade, Donna Gultom, to Republika.co.id, Sunday (3/1).

She agreed that there were many challenges in infrastructure and energy sectors. Indonesia, she added, was left behind in export capability, compared to some ASEAN countries, such as Singapore.

Export contribution to Singapore economic growth was more than 100 percent. Also Thailand and Malaysia, who are export-oriented. Meanwhile, Indonesian export contribution to GDP was only 24 percent.

"If we can produce goods, other countries will be confused about where to send their goods," she stated.

While waiting for strengthening of infrastructure and energy sectors, simplification of licensing and regulation would help to expedite export activities. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) would also be directed at strengthening production technology that would lead to strengthen export activities.

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