The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has once again facilitated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in penetrating global markets. Through the Export Center Surabaya, East Java, on Tuesday, February 26, 2024, Kemendag successfully assisted three SMEs in their inaugural exports with a total value of USD226.6 thousand or approximately IDR3.5 billion (at an exchange rate of IDR15,748). These three SMEs are PT Maida Fortuna Laut, PT Indo Panen Sejahtera, and PT Surya Citra Inti Makmur. PT Maida Fortuna Laut exported frozen tuna products worth USD71.6 thousand to Vietnam. Meanwhile, PT Indo Panen Sejahtera penetrated the Chinese market with porang products worth USD126.6 thousand, and PT Surya Citra Inti Makmur shipped wood briquette products to Taiwan worth USD28.4 thousand. Director General of National Export Development, Didi Sumedi, explained that the previous business development program conducted by the Export Center Surabaya has yielded results, as evidenced by the export releases at the beginning of 2024. "Various efforts, including export services provided by the Export Center Surabaya, reflect the government's commitment and seriousness in encouraging entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, to penetrate global markets," said Didi on a separate occasion.
Didi further emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to diversify their products and target export destinations due to economic slowdowns and recessions in some advanced countries. Meanwhile, Director of Market Development and Export Information, Arief Wibisono, revealed that the government has established a task force for export enhancement, in which the Ministry of Trade involves the Export Center Surabaya as a pioneer in national export improvement. "National export enhancement can be achieved through collaboration and synergy between the government, both central and regional, with entrepreneurs and associations. One of these reflections is seen in the export assistance provided by the Export Center Surabaya," said Arief. A representative of PT Maida Fortuna Laut expressed appreciation for the support from the Ministry of Trade through the Export Center Surabaya, which facilitated the export process. According to the SME, which has been operating for two years, the Export Center Surabaya has been highly supportive, aiding the company in multiple export endeavors, including product development, export document processing, shipment procedures, and export payment arrangements.
