With the help of the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Indonesian textile sector will increase its share in Japan in 2010.
The director of the Indonesian Ministry of Industry in charge of metals, machinery, textiles, and miscellaneous industries said at an EPA seminar: “In 2008, Indonesia exported approximately 650 million U.S. dollars to Japan, and hopes to increase exports to 1-1.5 billion by the end of 2010. dollars.”
In 2008, Indonesian textile exports to Japan increased by 7.8% compared with 2007, reaching US$603 million. In 2009, the Indonesian Ministry of Industry aims to export approximately US$700 million to Japan.
The Indonesian Textile Association (API) hopes that the EPA will promote the Indonesian textile industry to achieve ambitious goals during difficult times.
Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Industry show that with the implementation of the EPA, the Japanese government can help Indonesian textile industry owners obtain credit and raise funds to purchase Japanese machinery and technology. This is because Japanese textile machinery exports fell by 25% due to the crisis in 2008. many.
Indonesian textile exports in 2008 are estimated to reach US$10.8 billion, a modest increase from US$10.3 billion in 2007. The Minister of Industry of Indonesia said: “Japan is the third largest importer of Indonesian textiles, second only to the United States and the European Union. Only Japan has demand for four-season clothing. Indonesia can still export to the United States and the European Union, but it will not be the same as before. . To increase the share in Japan, market research needs to be improved. Japanese consumers have high standards in quality and design, and tastes often change. The government should look for new markets in the Middle East, where the crisis will have less impact.”
