Jokowi: Unfair Digital Trade Killing MSMEs
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4 March 2021 16:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi asked the Trade Ministry to immediately regulate the digital trade system to prevent unfair practices against micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
“Just last week, I told Pak Trade Minister that there is something wrong with our digital trade system. It’s killing MSMEs. I warned him so,” said the President at the opening of the Trade Ministry’s Working Meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
He underlined that the government must defend, protect, and empower MSMEs so they can improve their grades. “This is one of the most important tasks of the Trade Ministry,” Jokowi remarked.
According to him, online-based trading practice is a must and needs to be developed, but must be managed properly. He argued that all parties must create a fair and beneficial system in electronic commerce or e-commerce.
Widodo emphasized that digital transformation must maintain the nation's sovereignty and independence. He said Indonesia should not be a victim of unfair digital trade. Besides, the practices must encourage the local component level so as not to increase imports.
“Our nation does not favor protectionism because history has proven that protectionism is detrimental. However, we must not fall victim to unfair practices of global digital giants. Digital transformation is a win-win solution for all parties,” Jokowi said.
Read: Jokowi: 9 Million 'Digital Talents' Needed in Digital Transformation
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