Expansion to the international market gives a great opportunity for Indonesian business players, but requires thorough preparations.

Tangerang, Banten (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian business players, including those categorized as micro, small and medium scales, have a great opportunity to expand their businesses to the global market.

"Expansion to the international market is a great opportunity for Indonesian business players, but requires thorough preparations," export market research expert, Fikrie Aldjoefry, said in a special interview with Indonesia Window on the sidelines of the Halal Fair event held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD Tangerang city on Friday (Dec. 6).

Specifically for the Egyptian market, he continued, the initial preparation for export is to understand the products that are included in the ‘winner, struggling, survivor, and lost’ positions.

According to Fikrie, Indonesian products that are included in the 'winner' position for the Egyptian market are palm oil, coffee, coal, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, and sugar confectionary.

Sugar confectionary products include candied nuts, chocolate, chewing gum, bubble gum, and other sweet products made primarily from sugar.

Meanwhile, Indonesian products in the Egyptian market that are struggling include cocoa, rubber, and furniture products, while footwear, non-knitted apparel, and essential oils are among the survivors.

Furthermore, soap, desiccated coconut, fish, and tobacco are examples of Indonesian products that are lost in the Egyptian market.

"Recognizing product positions is very important for entrepreneurs to avoid unnecessary losses. In addition, ensure the production capacity of the goods we offer or have, understand and comply with regulations, and have sufficient capital to support the market penetration process smoothly," Fikrie explained.

"With the right approach, successful expansion into the Egyptian market is within reach," he said.

Fikrie further emphasized that the characteristics of Indonesian people who are known to be friendly, warm, and honest are also an advantage for domestic business players who are trying to penetrate the international market.

Reporting by Indonesia Window