Industries Ready for ASEAN Economic Community

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ansari Bukhari, Secretary General of the Industry Ministry, said that a number of domestic industries have better competitiveness compared to other ASEAN countries. His assessment is related to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which will begin implementation in 2015.

"Several industries become a priority because they have good competitiveness for the AEC," Ansari said during a discussion at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jakarta, Monday, June 24.

Industries considered able to compete with the other ASEAN countries include agro-based industries such as palm oil, cocoa, rubber, fish and its by-products, textiles and textile products, footwear, leather and leather goods. Other industries include furniture, food and beverages, fertilizers and petrochemicals, machinery and equipment, and basic metal industries such as iron, and steel.

Ansari said that the government is also increasing the competitiveness of other industries to strengthen and secure the domestic market from invasion from other ASEAN countries. These industries include the automotive industry, electronics, cement, apparel, and footwear.

"We have several programs in the industry sector aimed at securing the domestic market," he said.

In the automotive industry, the Industry Ministry will impose tax holiday on the sales of luxury goods and low-cost green cars.  The Ministry will also enhance the application of standardization in the electronics and telematics industries. Market development through exhibitions and optimizing the use of domestic products are also encouraged. As for the cement industry, the government will conserve energy to push the growth and diversification of the industry.

ANANDA TERESIA