The customs and excise Office in Madura, East Java, has initiated an export clinic program for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, aiming to assist prospective exporters in expanding their product markets globally. Muhammad Syahirul Alim, the Head of the Madura customs and excise Office, stated that the export clinic program is designed to aid entrepreneurs with the desire to export their products. The educational initiative covers packaging regulations, export procedures, legal aspects, and finding international markets through business matching with foreign buyers. The Madura Customs and Excise nOffice is committed to supporting these businesses, fostering economic growth on the Salt Island, which, in turn, contributes to national revenue and the welfare of the local community. One notable success under the guidance of the Madura customs and excise Office is the Four Companions Cigarette Factory in Pamekasan, which has successfully exported 2 million units of white cigarettes to Malaysia. The symbolic release of this export took place on December 6, 2023, as customs and excise officials sealed the vehicles transporting the exported cigarettes to ensure their security.
This marks the second occasion where the Madura Customs and Excise Office facilitated the export of cigarettes, with a previous instance involving the Ayunda cigarette company in Pamekasan. According to the Pamekasan Regency Government's release, from 2021 to December 2023, at least five processed products and crafts from Pamekasan have been exported abroad. These products include Crispy Anchovies, Sambel Petis Madura (a Madurese shrimp paste condiment), Squid Crackers, Spiced Coffee, and Pamekasan's signature batik to Turkey. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of empowering local MSMEs, enhancing their capabilities for international trade, and contributing to the economic development of Madura. The Madura customs and excise Office's commitment to educating and facilitating MSMEs in international trade is poised to empower local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth in the region.