The Aceh government, led by Governor Muzakir Manaf (Mualem), is planning to establish a direct export route to Penang, Malaysia, to enhance trade and economic growth. Aceh, particularly Gayo Lues, is known for its high-quality agricultural products like Gayo coffee, cocoa, and avocados, which have strong international demand. This initiative aims to streamline exports, benefiting local farmers and businesses by providing easier access to global markets and increasing regional income. To support this plan, the government is working on improving infrastructure, logistics, and transportation, ensuring smooth trade operations. Governor Mualem emphasized that collaboration between the government, businesses, and the community is crucial for the program’s success.

Meanwhile, Gayo Lues Regent Suhaidi is prioritizing infrastructure development to enhance connectivity between Gayo Lues and Aceh Tamiang, facilitating smoother agricultural transport. Additionally, he aims to optimize land use for farming, as 27% of Gayo Lues' land is suitable for cultivation, focusing on coffee, cocoa, tobacco, and corn. By 2026, all civil servants (ASN) in the region will be required to own one hectare of coffee farmland to encourage agricultural growth. Suhaidi also plans to improve public services and road maintenance while advocating for the relocation of the UPT PUPR office to Gayo Lues, given its extensive provincial road network. These efforts aim to enhance agricultural productivity, economic development, and regional competitiveness, strengthening Aceh’s role in international trade.

Source:
https://infoaceh.net/ekonomi/aceh-rencanakan-jalur-ekspor-langsung-ke-penang/