CLOSER TRADE TIES BETWEEN INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES by Fardah

Jakarta, June 22, 2016 (Antara)- Indonesia and the Philippines, as immediate neighboring countries, have many to offers in the fields of among other things trade, culture and security.

         In fact, the Philippines is indeed a significant trade partner as its contributed around US$2.3 billion in trade surplus to Indonesia last year.

         Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Johny J Lumintang said recently that the surplus was the third largest for Indonesia in its international trade.

         Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that the country's imports from Indonesia during the period between January and December 2015 stood at $2.927 billion, while exports to Indonesia were only valued at $628.2 million.

         However, the figures declined from the previous year when Philippines' imports and exports from and to Indonesia reached $3.037 billion and $759.658 million, respectively.

         Three major Indonesian products imported by the Philippines, include automotive, coal, and coffee, with total values of $619.8 million, $519.4 million, and $208.6 million, respectively.

         There are great demands for coal for Filipino power plants, the diplomat said.

         The two nations have also intensified bilateral cooperation in various fields such as in economic, politic, socio-culture, and sea patrol security.  
    "With the Philippines, Indonesia should not compete but cooperate as our products are mostly similar," the ambassador said.

         Indonesia's Trade Attaché in Manila Irawan said 16 Indonesian food and beverage products have been marketed widely in Filipino supermarkets.

         Among the products as Kopiko 78 Degree, Indofood instant noodles, Bimoli and Mitra cooking oil, Tiger and Oreo biscuits, Extra Joss, You C-1000, Fruit Tea, nata de coco, Kopiko candy, Energen, and Diabetasol biscuits and powder milk.

         Indonesia's food and beverage product market share in the Philippines is 8.13 percent.

         Last year, the Philippines imported food and beverages worth US$ 452.1 million from Indonesia, and exported US$15.8 million.

         Having economic growth at 6.9 percent, the Philippine is a potential market as its population is also big, he said.

         He hoped more small and medium scale industries' products could be marketed in the Philippine.

         Eight food and beverage producers participated in the ASEAN Salon International de l' Agroalimentaire held in Manila on May 31-June 2 2016.

         In the meantime, The Philippine government is also eager to promote its products in Indonesian markets.

         Filipino retail brands were exhibited at the "Lifestyle Philippines" event in Jakarta, on June 10, 2016.

         "Lifestyle Philippines" was a branding initiative led by the   Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jakarta which aimd to promote and create more awareness of Filipino-made products.

         During her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen Isleta stated that, ¿It is an initiative to which our Embassy with the support of the Filipino community, have given our best efforts because we believe it can contribute to the friendship and close cooperation between our two countries.¿
    The event included a fashion show featuring Karimadon and Rusty Lopez, two iconic brands in the Philippines that have begun to create a following in the Indonesian forward-clientele market.

         Other brands displayed were Plains and Prints, Cruzzini Barong Tagalog, and Barong Batik, a fashion innovation that has successfully fused Philippine barong and Indonesian batik, a creation that many diplomats and dignitaries have begun to favor for its elegance.

         Apart from apparel, the event also showcased Filipino food products, hand-woven crafts, cosmetics and neutraceutical, tourism and travel, as well as education services.

         Flavors Philippines featured products with potentials to be exported here such as Goldilocks polvoron, Mama Sita's sauces and   mixes, Leslie's snack products, Destilleria Limtuaco's spirits and liquors, among others.

         Artisanal food products sourced from the various regions in the Philippines such as dried fruits and nuts, jams and marmalades,   bottled sardines, and chocolate dipped dried mangoes will be at the exhibition as well.

         Woven Chic, a special section on hand-woven crafts will show indigenous textiles from the Philippines, traditional dresses, linens, and modern and traditional pieces of jewelry.

         "This initiative hopes to increase trade with Indonesia, which in 2015 stood at US$3.6 billion. The Philippines exported about US$628.27 million of goods and services to Indonesia, while the Indonesia had US$2.93 billion trade with its counterpart," Philippine Embassy Trade Representative Alma Argayoso said in a statement recently.

         "The regional integration in ASEAN presents opportunities for Philippine companies to expand to Indonesia and other ASEAN   markets, and we certainly would like to actively take part in supporting Philippines companies in their regional expansion. We look forward to make Filipino products more available in the Indonesian   market, particularly since there are many Indonesians who have visited and studied in the Philippines who look for our products,"  she added. ***3***
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