Director General of National Export Development Fajarini Puntodewi said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday that Indonesia’s participation was a strategic step to strengthen the position of Indonesian snack and confectionery products in the international market.
“The large UAE market is very promising, driven by its multicultural population, young consumers’ demand for product and flavor innovation, healthy lifestyle trends, the rapid growth of the tourism sector, and the presence of both offline and online retail,” Puntodewi said.
She added that Dubai’s strategic position as a global trade hub makes it an ideal gateway for distributing products to Middle Eastern and African countries.
Indonesian Consul General in Dubai Denny Lesmana noted that Dubai is now a global trade center thanks to its location, open trade access, business-friendly regulations, generous government incentives, and well-developed service infrastructure.
“The policy of allowing up to 100 percent foreign ownership in businesses without the need for local partners is also a unique attraction, driving the UAE’s economy forward and making competition highly competitive,” Lesmana said.
In addition to facilitating participation in the exhibition, the ministry also supported micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in business-matching sessions with potential overseas buyers.
Head of the International Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Dubai Widy Haryono said the business matching coordinated by ITPC Dubai is crucial for building the brand and quality of Indonesian food and confectionery products.
Haryono emphasized that the UAE market has become increasingly promising for Indonesian products since the Indonesia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE CEPA) took effect on September 1, 2023.
The agreement cuts the import tariff on Indonesian snack and confectionery products entering the UAE to zero percent.
Furthermore, Indonesia’s status as a Muslim-majority country—whose halal certification is widely recognized—has also been a key factor supporting the successful export of Indonesian snack and confectionery products.
Related news: Indonesian F&B industry secures US$43.7 million at Singapore FHA Expo
Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Cindy Frishanti Oct
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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