TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan sent off the exports of eight containers of plated steel to Australia, Canada, and Puerto Rico in Purwakarta District, West Java, on Friday, June 21, 2024.

"In order to become a developed country, we need to conquer the global market. Note that we are exporting steel, whose industry entails the use of advanced technology," he noted in his office's statement received on Saturday, June 22.

Hasan remarked that the demand for Indonesian steel from Canadian and Australian importers had been increasing by 16.94 percent and 14.72 percent, respectively, in the last five years.

The minister expressed hope that the positive trend would help Indonesia cut its trade balance deficits with Canada and Australia.

He further said that the government would continue to take steps to pursue the expansion of access of Indonesian products to Australian and Canadian markets, including formulating trade agreements.

In this regard, the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been rolled out, while a similar agreement between Indonesia and Canada is still under negotiations.

Hasan then praised PT Tata Metal Lestari, the producer of the exported steel products, for seizing opportunities, diversifying export markets, and applying the principles of green industry in a bid to boost the competitiveness of its products.

"Hopefully, these exports can assure us that our dream of transforming into a developed country in 2045 is within reach," he remarked.

Meanwhile, the vice president of the steel producer Stephanus Koeswandi attributed the measures taken by the government to the realization of the plated steel exports.

He said the government has been supporting and protecting the domestic steel industry by endorsing the principles of sustainability and pushing business actors to innovate and adapt.

ANTARA

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