JAKARTA – The trade ministry’s Agriculture and Forestry Products Export Director Asep Asmara said that the Indonesian government has been undertaking four ways to solve the export problems facing the crude palm oil (CPO) commodity.

“The four ways include efforts to solve the export tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the countries of export destinations, through bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations,” Asep said during a virtual public discussion recently.

He cited the example of biodiesel issue in European Union, the USA, and the tariff barriers in India, Pakistan and several countries of  Africa.

The second way is concerned with how to optimize business matching, showcasing and exchanging of information through the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers (ITPC) and Trade Expo Indonesia.

The third way is the effort of finding the best way to implement direct exports to certain countries of destinations, such as those in Africa. One possibility is for Indonesian suppliers of unpackaged bulk cooking oil to partner with local packaging companies in the Middle East to enter the local markets in Africa.

The fourth way, strengthen national consolidation and international cooperation in undertaking the positive campaigns to promote palm oil.

Asep noted that Indonesia is facing a number of problems in exporting its palm oil products at the global market. The export problems include the manpower problem raised by the UK, the environmental issue raised by the UK and Australia, palm oil free certification trademark by the UK and Australia, import tariff by India, health issue raised by Australia and Pakistan, and sustainability certificates required by Japan.

He asserted that by undertaking all of the four ways, the Indonesian government hopes that all of the export problems can be eradicated or at least reduced and the Indonesian exports of palm oil products can be further increased. (*)

Source: TEMPO.CO | Featured image via indonesia-investments.com