INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- The national food and beverage industry recorded a growth of 7.19 percent in the second quarter of 2017. This achievement contributed to the contribution of this flagship manufacturing to the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of non-oil and gas industry which reached 34.17 percent, or the highest Compared to other sectors.

Indonesia with a population of 258.7 million people, is a very promising market. If the food and beverage industry players take advantage of this potential, it will grow even better. In addition, it also needs to target export opportunities, said Director General of Agro Industry Ministry of Industry Panggah Susanto in Jakarta, Saturday (08/12/2017).

According to Panggah's explanation, as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Industry, the national food and beverage industry has a superior competitiveness in the international arena. This can be seen from the contribution of export value of food and beverage products, including palm oil in January-June 2017 reached US $ 15,4 billion. This performance experienced a positive trade balance, when compared with imports of food and beverage products in the same period of US $ 4.8 billion.

After observing the fasting period and Idul Fitri, the food and beverage industry is expected to grow even higher. One of the steps is by encouraging these business actors to use the Import Export Destination (KITE) facility, he said.

Panggah also revealed that several large and medium scale food and beverage companies have been interested to expand their business by investing in new investments. When viewed from the realization of food industry investment in the first half of 2017, reached Rp 21.6 trillion for PMDN and PMA of US $ 1.2 billion. This achievement increased, compared to the same period in 2016 for domestic investment reached Rp16, 6 trillion and PMA of US $ 988 million.

Besides playing an active role in creating a conducive investment climate, Kemenperin also continues to facilitate the promotion of national food and beverage industry products both at home and abroad, in order to enhance the growth of this strategic industry, Panggah said.