JAKARTA - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan met the Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (LBBP) to Kuwait Lena Maryana Mukti at the Ministry of Trade office, Jakarta on Friday (15/7). During this meeting, Trade Minister Zulhas emphasized that increasing Indonesian exports to Kuwait could be carried out through the United Arab Emirates by utilizing the Indonesia–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE–CEPA) that had been agreed.
Trade Minister Zulhas emphasized that the IUAE-CEPA is a strategic agreement for Indonesia because the country is a hub for entering the Middle East region, especially countries in Africa. “Kuwait is a potential export market for Indonesia. Especially with the IUAE-CEPA agreement, which is a momentum to increase trade and make the UAE a hub for Indonesian products to enter other Middle Eastern markets, including Kuwait and other Gulf countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council," said Trade Minister Zulhas.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Lena said that Kuwait is one of the countries with very high import activity in the region. "This is certainly an opportunity for Indonesia's superior products to expand the market in Kuwait," she said.
In the January-May 2022 period, the total trade between Indonesia and Kuwait was recorded at USD 136.3 million. Meanwhile, in 2021, the total trade between the two countries was recorded at USD 395.4 million. Exports of Indonesian non-oil and gas products to Kuwait are 1000-3000cc vehicles, spare parts, vehicles, wood planks, wood pulp, plywood, fishery products, and paper. Meanwhile, Indonesia's imports from Kuwait include ethylene polymer, sulfur, glass fiber, sodium hydroxide, and rubber inner tubes. (LM)