Promoting MSMEs to Enter Export Markets: Pertamina Showcases 10 MSMEs at China ASEAN EXPO 2023

Nanning, September 18, 2023 - As part of its support for China-ASEAN cooperation, PT Pertamina (Persero) is showcasing the flagship products of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Indonesian Pavilion at the 20th China ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China. The participation of Pertamina-fostered MSMEs demonstrates a commitment to developing Indonesian MSMEs to enter global export markets.

Ten selected MSMEs present over 70 high-quality and environmentally friendly Indonesian products. Under the theme "Authentically Indonesian, Authentically Awesome," Pertamina has brought the best fostered MSMEs from all over Indonesia, including Woodeco, Move Leather, Bali Ayu, D’ethnick Mutiara Lombok, Indang Apang Gallery, Ethneeq, Akar Dewa Jati, Logok Kreatif, Bahalap, and Pesona Handicraft Indonesia. In addition to showcasing and marketing their best products to visitors, Pertamina also facilitates opportunities for cooperation from Asian markets for these MSMEs.

The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma'ruf Amin, who attended the exhibition, hopes Indonesian products will gain more international recognition and lead to sustainable cooperation, thus opening access to international markets. "This is evidence that CAEXPO, as a collaborative trade promotion, continues to deliver concrete and positive results for Indonesian, ASEAN, and Chinese businesses," said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

The China ASEAN Expo in the City of Charm Indonesia Pavilion, or "Indonesian Commodity Pavilion" was opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma'ruf Amin, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, local time, at Exhibition Hall D Nanning International. The event was also attended by Zhou Jiabin, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Representatives of Indonesia as the Country of Honor for CAEXPO 2023 included the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun, Director General of National Export Development of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Didi Sumedi, Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, Edy Pratowo, and Chairwoman of Dekranasda Central Kalimantan, Yulastri Ivo.

The forum featured various agendas, including a promotion conference where Pertamina had the opportunity to present State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Palangkaraya and Seruyan flagship products. For example, Indang Apang Galeri, one of the SOEs’ MSMEs that primarily uses rattan as the raw material, aims to make rattan products a fashion trendsetter, benefiting the local economy positively.

VP of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, welcomed the participation of MSMEs in the China ASEAN Expo 2023. In addition to expanding into international markets, MSMEs have the potential to establish business partnerships with potential collaborators.

"Pertamina sees great potential and opportunities for MSMEs to go international, allowing MSMEs to access a wide-open export market. Creative products made by our nation's young talents can compete with products on both regional and international levels, as they possess unmatched quality," said Fadjar.

International exhibitions are one of the concrete steps taken by Pertamina to advance its supported MSMEs, such as CAEXPO. This SME development program also represents Pertamina's commitment to supporting the implementation of Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by continuously promoting programs that directly contribute to SDG achievements, in line with the application of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles throughout Pertamina's business and operations.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**