The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop UKM) anticipates that organic product exports will become sought-after commodities in international markets in the coming years. Fixy, Assistant Deputy for Partnerships and Market Expansion at Kemenkop UKM, stated that global attention is increasingly focused on sustainability issues, including recyclable products and environmentally friendly materials. Speaking at the Export Outlook 2024 webinar in Jakarta, Fixy emphasized that sustainable development, green economy, and circular economy issues will be crucial topics in the coming years. He highlighted the significance of addressing these concerns for prospective exporters, emphasizing that awareness of green economy and circular economy principles is essential to remain competitive in international trade. According to Fixy, concern for green and circular economies should be ingrained in the mindset of potential exporters to align with international standards. He noted that Europe is already implementing circular economy practices, making it imperative for Indonesian exporters to adapt to these principles for continued market access.
Indonesian organic products are identified as having a promising market share abroad, with Switzerland being mentioned as a potential country for the expansion of organic product exports. Swiss agricultural research institute FiBL reported that in 2020, Switzerland ranked second globally in organic product consumption, with an average expenditure of approximately USD 382.4 per person annually. The Swiss organic market experienced nearly a 20% growth in consumption, reaching USD 4.4 billion in 2020. Fixy sees this data as an opportunity for Indonesia to enhance its organic product exports, especially to the European market. However, he highlighted the importance of addressing standardization and quality issues. According to Fixy, ensuring that products from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) meet international standards is crucial for successful exports. In conclusion, Fixy stressed that the focus should not only be on the ability to export but also on the sustainability of those exports. Addressing issues such as financial and production management systems is essential before entering the export market. The positive outlook for the organic product sector presents an opportunity for Indonesian businesses to thrive in the global market by aligning with sustainable practices and meeting international standards.
