Indonesia, Uzbekistan eye women-led export growth

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Uzbekistan are exploring initiatives to expand exports by women-owned small businesses, as both countries seek to deepen trade ties and boost women's participation in economic growth, Indonesian Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti said.

In a statement released Thursday, Esti said stronger economic engagement could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in both countries and support broader bilateral trade objectives.

Speaking after talks with Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Zulaykho Mahkamova in Tashkent, Esti said both governments were considering programs to improve connectivity among women-led enterprises.

Potential initiatives include seminars and export-oriented knowledge-sharing programs, conducted both online and in person, with support from Indonesian and Uzbek diplomatic missions.

The programs are expected to help businesses better understand market conditions, expand commercial networks and navigate export requirements in both countries, Esti said.

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The officials agreed that women are playing an increasingly important role in driving inclusive economic growth and creating new business opportunities across sectors.

As cooperation advances through the Indonesia-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment Cooperation, women entrepreneurs are expected to gain broader access to emerging bilateral initiatives.

The discussions also identified several products with strong prospects for trade expansion between the two countries.

Tea, chocolate, dried fruits, tropical fruits, modest fashion products and cosmetics were highlighted as categories with potential to reach larger consumer markets in Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

Esti said bilateral cooperation could help more women-owned businesses expand internationally and strengthen their competitiveness in export markets.

She said capacity-building programs, improved access to market information and stronger business networks would support efforts to increase cross-border trade in locally produced goods.

"Indonesia and Uzbekistan have agreed to continue exploring cooperation that strengthens the role of women in trade, entrepreneurship and economic development," Esti said.

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Translator: Kelik, Kenzu

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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