Bank Indonesia's NTB Regional Office continues to promote the strengthening of non-mining exports from the province, despite their current contribution being only around 2% of total exports. One key focus is the development of organic vanilla, a commodity regularly exported to the United States. Currently, BI NTB is expanding its market reach, including to Hong Kong and Australia, with the hope that NTB products can gain greater international recognition. The local government is also opening opportunities for importers to invest directly in NTB, including the construction of vanilla processing facilities, so that exports are not limited to raw materials but also include high-value-added products.
NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal emphasized that this strategy is not merely about expanding market access but also about promoting inclusive economic growth at the local level. By integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs), farmer cooperatives, and the investment ecosystem, NTB aims to create job opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and improve community welfare. Vanilla, along with other flagship products such as nutmeg and home décor crafts, is expected to drive prosperity and position NTB as a hub for exporting high-quality products to global markets.
