Indonesian Trading House Inaugurated in Switzerland to Boost Exports

26 Jan 2023

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and Pasar Indonesia AG inaugurated the Indonesia Trading House (ITH) in Aargau, Switzerland, January 26, 2023. With the establishment of ITH, it aims to increase the supply of Indonesian products in Switzerland and across Europe. Deputy General Chair Coordinator I of KADIN, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanagi, mentioned that this is KADIN’s first collaboration with the European diaspora and is planned to be replicated in other countries.

Among the inauguration attendees were the Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Muliaman Hadad, and the Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives and SMES, Teten Masduki. During the event, Ambassador Muliaman said that ITH is expected to be the entry point for Indonesian products in the Swiss and European markets. The high logistics cost is a concern for the Indonesian diaspora, and KADIN hopes to find a solution for the problem.

Minister Teten appreciated the efforts made to establish ITH in Switzerland and expressed is gratitude for the opportunities for Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) products to enter foreign markets, especially Europe and Switzerland in particular. He also mentioned that with the recent development of technology, its support will make it easier to sell Indonesian products through the diaspora network, as long as there is a partner who provides a warehouse. Teten emphasized the use of market platforms for marketing Indonesian MSME products and their connection with the ITH network, the Indonesian diaspora, and overseas market players.

As part of the agenda, Minister Teten's symbolic handover of the USD 100,000 KADIN investment were part of the agenda to promote Indonesian SMEs that are ready for export and fostered by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, particularly in the food and beverage sector. The Ministry has many carefully selected high-quality SME products, and it is hoped that the ITH will be a successful step towards increasing Indonesia's trade and penetrating the European market.

Pasar Indonesia AG, owned by Indonesian diaspora Catharina Oehler, has been in business since 1999 and was the host of the ITH inauguration. The Swiss Bilateral Committee of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce was represented by Francis Wanandi and Ronald Bonia from Kadinda Papua.

The establishment of ITH was signed by the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arsyad Rasyid, at the Indonesia Pavilion during the WEF event on May 24, 2022. Minister Teten concluded his speech by expressing his highest appreciation to Catharina and the support of the Ambassador and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He hopes that ITH will be replicated in various places, as Indonesian MSME products now meet international standards.