REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Trade Minister Thomas Lembong here on Wednesday expressed greater optimism about the nation's economy this year in view of the improving global economic conditions.

"In 2015, I did not express optimism in view of the huge number of challenges in the year along with the global conditions, which were not conducive. In 2015, I was very alert and concerned, but this year, finally, I could be more optimistic. I think we have surpassed the challenges," he affirmed.

Minister Thomas remarked that the government had specially conducted significant consolidation and made good progress to start 2016 on a positive note while the global economy is also improving, especially in the United States and Europe.

"Although China is still facing challenges, I am convinced it will be able to overcome them. I am confident that 2016 will be more optimistic," he noted.

The minister said any condition actually could also be viewed as an opportunity, including the drop in the prices of commodities as business players would make changes to seize the opportunity.

"We must change the business model to be able to utilize the opportunity. We must not complain and be passive. We must work harder and at a quicker pace as the conditions have become more stable. We must be able to grab the opportunity," he emphasized.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Indonesia recorded the highest non-oil/gas exports to the United States in November 2015 at US$1.16 billion, and at US$1.03 billion to China, and at US$0.99 billion to Japan, with the total contribution from the three reaching 33.07 percent.

In all, the total exports from January to November 2015 reached US$138.42 billion, down by 14.32 percent from US$161.5 billion a year before.

In the same period, Indonesia enjoyed a trade surplus of US$7.81 billion after suffering a deficit of US$1.65 billion during the corresponding period a year before.

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