The Economic Minister of Indonesia has called on ambassadors to help boost exports to and investment from the countries in which they are stationed.
“We hope you can help us develop exports,” he said when speaking to Indonesian ambassadors at the minister’s office.
He said his and other ministries, was working to increase exports to avoid another trade deficit this year. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia recorded a US$8.57 billion trade deficit last year as export growth was lower than import growth.
The government has introduced policies to curb the trade deficit, including a levy on imports of consumer goods, and the mandatory use of biodiesel.