The government is actively promoting processed food products, particularly marine products, to penetrate the Chinese market in 2024. Special Staff to the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Jona Widhagdo Putri, emphasized the initiative during "The 4th China Cross-border E-commerce" exhibition in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, from March 18 to 20, 2024. This event showcased the latest developments and innovations in e-commerce platforms, logistics warehousing, and other technological services.Jona highlighted Indonesia's rich maritime resources, such as fish, shrimp, and squid, which are being processed into products like fish balls and shrimp nuggets to cater to Chinese consumers' preferences. Additionally, efforts are underway to introduce Indonesian durians into the Chinese market, leveraging the country's fondness for this fruit and its potential to boost local farmers and durian entrepreneurs. In collaboration with the Fujian provincial government, Indonesia aims to establish a halal center to facilitate the entry of Indonesian halal products into China. Products such as halal fish balls, beef balls, garments, and beverages are anticipated by China's Muslim community, indicating substantial market potential.
Furthermore, the exhibition serves as a platform to introduce Indonesia's e-commerce platforms and flagship products, including those from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM), to China and other countries. This event also fosters collaboration between Indonesian and Chinese e-commerce platforms to facilitate the entry of more Indonesian products into the Chinese market. Despite the promising prospects, data from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) in October 2023 showed a decline in e-commerce transactions, with China being the largest supplier to Indonesia's e-commerce, contributing 24.3% of the total imported goods in May 2023. Additionally, Bank Indonesia reported a decrease in e-commerce transactions in 2023 compared to the previous year, totaling IDR 453.75 trillion, down approximately 4.7%. Furthermore, trade transactions between Indonesia and China declined in 2023, with Indonesia's exports to China decreasing by 1.37% and imports from China decreasing by 7.15% compared to 2022. The Ministry of Trade highlighted untapped market potentials in various sectors, amounting to approximately USD 13.78 billion, including nickel, copper ore, palm oil derivatives, and stainless steel semi-finished products.
