REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government strives to increase its exports to Nigeria to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, one of them by offering strategic products of PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PT PAL, foreign minister Retno Marsudi has said.
"Therefore, we tried to diversify (the exports) by not only focusing on the export of goods but also other things of good prospects," the minister said here on Thursday after meeting President Joko Widodo to discuss the results of her visit to Nigeria undertaken to establish direct trade.
Marsudi further stated that the Garuda Maintenance Facility, PT INKA, and BP POM (food and drug supervision agency) were also ready for cooperation both in the field of aircraft maintenance and supply of railway carriages and pharmaceutical industries.
The Indonesian government is paving the way for the development of Indonesia's investment abroad, such as Nigeria, by sharing the experience of companies already investing in the country, she disclosed.
"Hence, we tried to see whether any obstacles occur in each of the (exported goods). Later, it is discussed in my meeting with the Nigerian foreign minister and (Nigeria's) acting president to attract their attention," Marsudi revealed.
The total trade of Indonesia and Nigeria in 2016 was recorded at US$1.5 billion. Nigeria is home to 180 million people, making it a potential economic cooperation partner for Indonesia in the African continent.
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Marsudi paid a courtesy call to the Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo, who also acts as the acting president of the country.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on aircraft maintenance cooperation between Garuda Maintenance Facility (GMF) and Max Air Ltd Nigeria worth $ 3.4 million was signed.
The MoU mentioned that GMF will undertake various maintenance of Boeing 747-400 aircraft belonging to Max Air, including providing technical assistance for the onsite support operation in Nigeria.
Marsudi noted that although some Indonesian products are already well known in Nigeria, such as instant noodles, radial tires, pharmaceutical products, soaps, beverages and other food products, a very large room is still open to improve trade and investment cooperation.
During the visit, Marsudi also attended the Indonesia-Nigeria business forum, which was participated by around 140 Nigerian entrepreneurs, among others from the pharmaceutical sector, transportation, food and beverages, as well as manufacturing.
Some business sectors from Indonesia attending the forum include representatives of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Garuda Maintenance Facility, PT INKA, Indonesia Eximbank, PT Sasa Inti, and BP POM.
Marsudi added that direct trade can provide additional benefits to both countries.
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