Trade Ministry Predicts Increase In Trade Surplus With Egypt

Jakarta  (Antara Bali) - The Trade Ministry set a higher target for surplus in the bilateral trade with Egypt this year.

Last year, the bilateral trade favored Indonesia with a surplus of US$954.8 million, Director General for National Export Expansion Nus Nuzulia Ishak said.

"This year we hope to chalk up a significant increase in the trade surplus," Nus said in statement here on Tuesday.

He said Indonesia would intensify trade promotion such as by taking part in a trade fair in Cairo.

Around 20 Indonesian companies will take part in the 49th Cairo International Fair (CIF)  from March 16-25.

"Egypt is the 26 largest export destination for Indonesia and exports to that country has increased from year to year. Participation in the CIF 2016  is expected to increase exports to that country," Nus said.

In 2015, Indonesia's exports of commodities other than oil and gas were valued at US$1.2 billion dominated by palm oil  and its fractions, artificial staple fiber yarn, coffee  and tires.

He said Indonesia Pavilion with a concept of "Trade with Remarkable Indonesia" proved successful lifting the image of the country's products.

In addition to the 20 Indonesian company, the pavilion will; also accommodate 10 local distributors for Indonesian products in Egypt.

Among the main products to be displayed at the pavilion include food and beverages, household appliances, consumer goods, furniture, handicraft , fashion  and jewelry.

 "Business matching will also be arranged between Indonesian companies and Egyptian  importers," Nus said.

Around 10 other countries will take part in the trade fair including Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Germany, Algeria, Iraq and Sudan. (WDY)