JAKARTA - Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said on Monday that the government predicts the non-oil and gas exports in 2011 to increase by over 20 percent, exceeding the initial target of 12 to 16 percent, due to rising global demand of commodities.
The minister said the non-oil and gas exports in the second quarter may rise to more than 20 percent.
He said some commodities have risen in terms of export volume and prices.
"Our cumulative non-oil and gas exports by April increased by 30 percent and for the whole of this year it may reach over 20 percent," she told reporters at the sideline of the World Economic Forum East Asia here in Jakarta.
"This indicates that the rise of investment in the country recently has shown its effects on export," said Pangestu.
He said the non-oil and gas exports in 2012 may exceed this year's target, as global economic growth is forecast to improve.
"As the world economic growth prediction is better next year, the trade may also increase," said Pangestu.
Most of Indonesia's exports, which contribute over 32 percent to the country's GDP, comprise of natural resources products and commodities. Indonesia's economic growth is spurred more by domestic demands. The economic growth registered at 6.1 percent last year and is forecast at 6.9 to seven percent this year.
