TEMPO.CO, Semarang - Indonesia`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that foreign markets remain open to products from Indonesia since many of these were being produced only in this country.

"Certain national products are already a success abroad, such as batik from Cirebon (West Java), Mak Icih cassava chips, and Baba Rafi Turkish Kebab," the Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ina Krisnamurti, said on Thursday.

In fact, Baba Rafi Turkish Kebab already holds the world record for kebab licenses. Although using a Turkish name, the owner is Indonesian.

She said although many Indonesian products are already being sold abroad, their market share should be expanded, especially in ASEAN country members.

According to Ina, making products abroad is no longer effective.

"Simply rely on partnerships. For example, establish a forum and ensure that it becomes a legal entity. The most suitable vehicle is a cooperative, where the goods can be collected and then sold," Ina said.

Meanwhile, coffee is another product that Indonesia can export. Some ASEAN countries like Burma, Laos, and Cambodia do not produce coffee, thus creating an opportunity forIndonesia to export coffee to the ASEAN market or other countries.

"Handicraft products also have a potential in the foreign markets, such as woven hat and lace cloth currently being exported to Vietnam," she said.

According to Ina again, it was better for Indonesian business players to focus on four countries, namely Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam as these are countries which are developing and need overseas products.

ANTARA