Acting Governor of North Sumatra (Sumut), Agus Fatoni, stated that the local market has significant export potential. He hopes to see an increase in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) exports from Sumut, particularly through the use of digital technology. Fatoni emphasized efforts to elevate MSMEs in Sumut by providing capital assistance, improving human resources, and enhancing promotions. “We will continue to strengthen these efforts,” he said at the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Safety of Fishery Products Center in Medan I, Deliserdang, Sumut, on Wednesday (3/7/2024). Fatoni oversaw the first export of 2,500 kilograms of catfish skin crackers produced by MSMEs to Malaysia. He hopes this initiative will encourage other MSMEs to seize export opportunities in the global market. Fatoni noted that while the local market in Sumut is substantial, business actors should also explore export markets due to their vast potential.
Sumut has significant potential in the fisheries sector, which can be utilized by MSMEs. Currently, there are 1.16 million MSMEs in Sumut, employing around 80% of the total workforce. In the fisheries sector, Sumut has 138,000 hectares of fish farming land, producing 163,000 tons of fish. Specifically, Sumut’s catfish production stands at 11,000 tons, while the export volume of fishery products from January to May 2024 reached 62,000 tons, with an export value of USD 293 million. Secretary of the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Safety of Fishery Products Agency at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KP), Hari Maryadi, assured that the exported catfish skin crackers meet export quality standards. He emphasized that quality assurance is crucial for MSMEs before exporting their goods. Maryadi highlighted that product quality entering the European Union must be ensured from the seeding, cultivation, harvesting, to processing stages. “We ensure product quality from the source. To achieve this, we continuously collaborate with local governments and agencies,” he said. The event was also attended by the Head of the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Office, Hamdan Sukri, the Head of the North Sumatra Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources Office, Mulyadi Simatupang, and the Head of the North Sumatra Cooperatives and MSMEs Office, Naslindo Sirait.
