The Ministry of Trade, represented by the Directorate General of National Export Development (PEN), has inked two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with multiple partners to bolster the export orientation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the creative industry, particularly in animation, comics, games (ACG), and Licensing-Merchandising, targeting international markets. The signing ceremony occurred today in Jakarta, involving the Director General of PEN, Didi Sumedi, and Chief of Corporate Affairs at PT Astra International Tbk., Riza Deliansyah, alongside leaders from various associations like the Indonesian Game Association (AGI), Indonesian Comic Association (AKSI), Cipta Karsa Adi Karya (CAKRA), Indonesian Animation Industry Association (AINAKI), and the Association of Licensing Merchandising Indonesia (ALMI). This strategic collaboration aims to unlock export opportunities for SMEs and the creative industry, fostering economic growth and enhancing Indonesia's global market presence. The MoUs encompass a range of activities, including disseminating export information to SMEs, strengthening product competitiveness, market access, business infrastructure, and promotional facilitation.
PT Astra International Tbk., through initiatives like Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA), has significantly contributed to adding value to Indonesian products and improving rural communities' welfare. The ACG and Licensing-Merchandising sectors, represented by five associations, hold promise as future contributors to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings, offering avenues for sustainable economic development and intellectual property (IP) creation. This collaboration seeks to establish a robust, innovative, and globally competitive SME ecosystem, promoting economic sustainability and broader socio-economic impacts. The Ministry of Trade has implemented various programs focusing on SMEs, including export assistance, product adaptation, and competitiveness enhancement through design and certification. Trade promotion activities, such as international trade exhibitions like the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), have played a crucial role in expanding export markets and facilitating business opportunities. Didi expresses confidence that this collaboration will significantly contribute to Indonesia's economic growth and create multiple benefits for its people, driving the growth and development of Indonesian SMEs and fostering significant contributions to national economic growth and widespread benefits for Indonesian society.
