Indonesia takes steps to expands export to new markets

JAKARTA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian trade ministry has set up a plan to boost exports to non-traditional markets which have shown higher growth recently, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said on Tuesday.

The minister urged investors in the country to invest in non-traditional market which will generate the demand for raw materials and products needed for the investment activities from Indonesia.

"We encourage investment in several nations, it will positively effect on exports," he said on Tuesday.

Lukita revealed that the government's plan to expand export to the non-traditional market has shown progress.

According to the national statistics bureau, shipments of products to the nations classified as non-traditional market has grown at a faster pace in September though its value remains low.

Indonesia's exports to Turkey and Egypt rose 17.22 percent and 44.83 percent respectively in September, the bureau said.

Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of thermal coal, crude palm oil, and the world's third largest exporter of cocoa and rubber, as well as the world's second-biggest home to copper mine.

In 2016, the country's export reached 144.43 billion U.S. dollars with 135.65 billion U.S. dollars import, according to the bureau.