Indonesia's exports to European Free Trade Association countries would jump 12% in 2008 - Ministry of Trade

Mar 25, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. Ministry of Trade's optimistic remarks that Indonesia's exports to European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries would jump 12% in 2008, ITTO reported. Due to the slowing US economy and weak Japanese markets, Indonesian plywood manufacturers are also eager to expand their market share in Middle East countries, especially the UAE. Alternative markets are also being sought due to falling real estate prices in major Chinese cities over the last six months. Some Indonesian politicians are even considering the establishment of a timber trade promotion center in the UAE, modeled after the Malaysian Timber Council's center in Dubai.