REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's food and beverages industry is considered the strongest competitor in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the Director General of Agriculture at the Industry Ministry Panggah Susanto, said here on Friday.

"These industries keep growing and contribute greatly to the national economy," he added.

These sectors are highly competitive because they are supported by abundant natural resources such as agriculture, maritime, farming, plantation and forestry. The Ministry of Industry records that food and beverages are a strategic sector for non-oil and gas industry growth with a value of 8.20 percent in the second quarter in 2016.

Several policies have been implemented to improve the standard of the products, namely application of Indonesia National Standard, improving human resources engaged in industry and accelerating infrastructure related construction.

With the same purpose, policies encouraging research and development, increasing consumption of domestic products, harmonizing local and central regulations and simplifying investment permits were being pursued.

Panggah was optimistic these policies can be implemented properly so that Indonesia's food and beverages industries dominate the ASEAN market. The ministry is promoting these industries at Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo 2016 from August 11-13, 2016.

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