In a promising start to 2024, the Gresik Customs Office facilitated the export of flagship commodities belonging to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in its region. The exported products included 150 kg of milkfish and catfish as well as wall cladding. On January 26, the Gresik Customs Office oversaw the independent export of the inaugural 150 kg of milkfish and catfish to Taiwan, carried out by the supported UMKM, PT Mekar Berseri Sempurna. This independent export marked the successful outcome of assistance related to the Customs and Excise Information System (PEB) in CEISA 4.0 by Gresik Customs, in collaboration with the Export Clinic with BKIPM Surabaya II and the Fisheries Department of Gresik Regency. BKIPM Surabaya II, as the authority ensuring the quality and safety of fisheries products, continually innovates efforts to guarantee the quality of fisheries products from upstream to downstream. One such innovation is the certification of the application of integrated quality management (HACCP) for Fish Processing Units (UPI). BKIPM Surabaya II encourages UPIs to implement HACCP, ensuring the production of export-quality products, including those by UMKM UPIs. Simultaneously, the Fisheries Department of Gresik Regency supports this export through SKP legality assistance, product branding, access channeling to ministries, market research, and product mapping.
Eko Rudi Hartono, Head of the Counseling and Information Services Section at Gresik Customs, expressed positivity about UMKM conducting independent exports, highlighting the shift from third-party exports to independent endeavors. Alongside fisheries products, Gresik Customs also released the export of wall cladding on the same day, with 1 container of 20 feet destined for the Indian market. PT Vesta Legno Internasional (PT VLI) conducted this export following its participation in the Empretec Workshop Training on the implementation of the MoU between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding MSME exports in December. PT Vesta Legno Internasional had previously marketed its products in various countries, including India, Turkey, Singapore, France, Italy, and several others. Eko emphasized that this wood tile export by UMKM serves as an example for other UMKMs, encouraging them to venture into exports due to its perceived simplicity. This initiative showcases the Customs Office's commitment to supporting and promoting the international trade efforts of local MSMEs, fostering economic growth and opportunities.
