Minister of Trade Budi Santoso released US$350,000 (approximately Rp5.7 billion) worth of Balinese exports to Hong Kong.
“We’re releasing exports of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. We have a program called MSMEs Can Export, which emphasizes that we must support the common people, and we work from districts, cities, to sub-districts, and villages,” he said.
He noted that CV Naralia Grup Indonesia, an exporter of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey products from Bali, is an example of a company capable of bringing together MSMEs and connecting them to the global market.
This company previously participated in an exhibition in Hong Kong, bringing several MSMEs with it, and as a result, buyers from that country agreed to our vanilla, cinnamon, and honey products.
“Mrs. Lia (Founder of CV Naralia Grup Indonesia) was able to present to our representatives at the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), whose job is to sell our export products in 33 countries. After the presentation, our representatives found buyers, and then they could conduct business matching,” said the Minister of Trade.
Besides vanilla, cinnamon, and honey, Budi Santoso believes that Bali has many products with potential for export.
However, many are still unfamiliar with standardization, such as this export product. He believes that initially, MSMEs didn’t understand how to properly package and sell it.
“We need people like Ms. Lia. Hopefully, there will be many in Bali. Actually, right now, we just need to package them. We have a lot of products, but our quality may not be export-grade yet,” said the Minister of Trade.
“We also have to help our ITPC representatives who sell. If our products aren’t good, they won’t be able to find buyers in the field, like for vanilla, cinnamon, and honey,” he continued.
Not only in Bali, but nationally, Trade Minister Budi acknowledged that of the 609 MSMEs exported, only 40 are exporters. He hopes that this will see an increase in MSME products entering the international market.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that this is not the first time he has exported vanilla products. He has also participated in similar exports with other Balinese products.
“This is the umpteenth export. The other day, I announced that vanilla exports were also extraordinary. Then there’s chocolate exports to Europe. Even traditional Balinese salt is excellent for use in hotels; its flavor is very strong,” Koster said.
He stated that the Bali Provincial Government strongly encourages exports because local Balinese products are in high demand and supported by the talented Balinese people who cultivate them.
The Governor cited examples such as rice, coffee, and even Balinese liquor, which were previously banned, which are now consumed internationally thanks to the governor’s regulations.
He believes that the remaining challenge in encouraging product exports is regulations that are not favorable to local products.
