President Jokowi Pushes for Local Products to be Globally Competitive

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo officially opened the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD, Tangerang regency, Banten province, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. This event is the largest export product exhibition in Indonesia, and this time, it was held in a hybrid format.

In his remarks, President Jokowi highlighted the global economic situation, which still faces challenges. Economic growth has been slow in the range of 2.6 to 2.7 percent, and global inflation is estimated to reach 5.9 percent.

Additionally, the President also reminded everyone of the impact of conventional war and the ongoing trade war, which has encouraged many countries to impose trade restriction policies. To date, at least 19 countries have implemented it, which has resulted in a decline in global trade volume.

Indonesia, as a country with a large domestic market, must be able to protect its domestic market and continue to expand the market abroad, according to him.

“We must be able to protect our domestic market and sell our products so that we are able to dominate it and continue to expand into foreign markets,” the President said.

The President also emphasized that the restrictions imposed on global trade due to the trade war could actually serve as an opportunity for Indonesia to increase exports. According to him, high inflation in many countries opens up opportunities for Indonesian products to compete in the global market.

Through the event, President Jokowi expressed hope that this momentum will be utilized well to encourage export growth, improve the quality and competitiveness of the country’s superior products, and expand its reach in the global market.

“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today, I hereby declare that the 39^th Trade Expo Indonesia is officially open,” the President concluded. (ECH/DNS) (AW/MUR)