REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir again made a splash by presenting the first Indonesian retail store abroad. A retail store called Windownesia became a storefront serving MSME products at Perth Airport, Australia.

Not to mention, Windownesia initiated by PT Sarinah has the full support of Dufry AG (Avolta), which is the largest duty-free shop operator in the world. Erick did not want Sarinah to be complacent and soon expand Windownesia in other countries.

“We will continue to open up opportunities in two countries later, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are amazing markets,” Erick said during a press conference on Windownesia at Sarinah Building, Jakarta, Saturday (14/10/2023).

Erick called both countries a potential market for MSMEs. Because, many Indonesians live and visit Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. “As a result, I'm sure Indonesians are also proud to have our products there, but Indonesians should also not forget to buy and be a part of supporting each other,” said the man named as the strongest vice president.

Erick said Indonesia must capitalize on the momentum of increasing tourist visits in Turkiye, which reaches 60 million tourists a year. This figure puts Turkiye below France which is known as the world's favourite destination with 70 million tourists a year.

“This means that when we open in Turkiye, we must also encourage Indonesian brands or products that can be better known to the world,” Erick said.

The same is the case in Saudi Arabia, which is known as the main destination for Muslim communities around the world for Hajj and Umrah. Saudi Arabia, said the Chairman of the Sharia Economic Society, is now serious about developing its tourism image to attract more tourists.

For this reason, Erick asked PT Sarinah to carefully prepare MSME products that will be displayed in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Erick said there needs to be a mapping on consumer behavior in both countries.

“I'm sure what sells in Perth doesn't necessarily sell in Saudi Arabia, what used to be in Saudi Arabia doesn't necessarily sell in Turkey. This is why assistance to MSMEs should be done by Sarinah,” Erick said.

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