Indonesia’s trade with Qatar to rise

Indonesian Ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi told Gulf Times that the bilateral trade volume between Indonesia and Qatar covering January to October in 2013 reached $1.3bn, a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2012.

Also in the same period, the embassy recorded an 11% increase in the total Indonesian exports to Qatar amounting to $83mn. Its imports from Qatar totaled $1.3bn, an 8 % increase compared with 2012.

However, Hadi noted that despite the increase in the total trade volume of the two countries from January to October, Indonesia remains to be on the deficit side and this translates to about $1.2bn.He pointed out that this deficit is normal because of Indonesia's huge demand for oil and gas. “Deficit is given since we really need that commodity.”

Indonesia is trying to increase its exports to Qatar mainly on infrastructure-related raw materials such as cement, nails, steel, and similar products. It exports other products such as electronics, motor vehicles (Toyota and Suzuki cars being assembled in Indonesia), petrochemicals and furniture.

Expecting that more buildings and hotels will be built in the coming years, embassy officials believe that these structures will also need good interiors and furniture.
The envoy had earlier disclosed that they are focusing on improving their non-oil exports to Qatar ranging from consumption products to a variety of construction materials.

Indonesia's non-oil exports reached $88mn from January to November in 2012, a 26% increase on the $74mn figure in 2011 in the same period. Products ranged from shoes, electronics, building and construction materials, furniture and food items.
About investments, Hadi stressed that Qatar National Bank continues to expand its operations after investing $180mn to buy Kasawan Bank. From 20 in 2012, it now has a total of 43 branches.