TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), Hariyadi Sukamdani, suggested the Government to focus on expanding trades at ASEAN markets. It’s a step to be taken following the effect of the protectionism policy of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“However, geographically, in production and distribution preparation, ASEAN is much more accessible. In 2017, there would be many unexpected impacts [from the policy],” Hariyadi said on Friday, February 3, 2017.

Head of Apindo International Relations and Investment, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, echo’s the statement. According to her Officials must divert their trade activities to non-traditional markets. “The Middle East has a huge potential, especially its halal products,” she said.

Other than that, according to Shinta, the government could also expand its business to the African market. She stated that Africa’s has a large market. “That’s the example of the export markets that we have started to focus on.”

Shinta reminded that the export readiness factor of the industry must not be forgotten. The Government must prepare the domestic industry with export worthy products. “Apindo is also facilitating the industry’s expansion and its financing,” Shinta said.

On January 20, 2017, Trump was officially inaugurated as the 45th President of United States of America. One of his policies that will be implemented is protectionism. Other than that, he will also cut taxes and increase the minimum wage, and bring home overseas U.S. company investments.

ANGELINA ANJAR SAWITRI