|
Indonesian exporters exploring new opportunities in the
Eastern European market may want to consider alternative routes to the
region other than using traditional ports, such as Hamburg, Amsterdam,
or Rotterdam.
Due to the benefit of geographical proximity plus new infrastructural
developments, at least four ports in the Adriatic now offered access
that was five days faster to the region.
"By using the Adriatic ports, exporters can save up to five days
compared to shipping to Hamburg or Amsterdam," Indonesian Ambassador to
Hungary Mangasi Sihombing told The Jakarta Post recently in Budapest.
Mangasi was referring to Dubrovnik, Rijeka and Ploce ports in Croatia,
and Koper port in Slovenia. "I have personally visited them, and found
them to be excellent ports that are able to accommodate large vessels."
Traditionally, Indonesian exporters used Hamburg, Amsterdam and
Rotterdam to access both Western and Eastern Europe markets. Sailing
times to these ports can be up to 45 days.
"In the past, importers were reluctant to use these (Adriatic) ports
because of their size. But now, after the latest infrastructural
developments, these ports have become cost-effective shipping
destinations," Mangasi said.
Not only faster shipping, but also faster access to the countries that
act as gateways to Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, only 8 hours drive
from the Croatia ports, compared with 24 hours from Hamburg.
"New highways are now available, and excellent trucks are operated by
the logistics companies," Mangasi said.
"Freight from the Adriatic ports can use the highways connecting all
the countries in the region, such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Belarus, and further feeding into Russia, which has huge market
potential with its emerging economy."
Commenting on the administrative procedures for accessing the region
through the Adriatic ports, Mangasi said that because most of these
countries had recently joined the European Union, the procedures in the
ports were similar to those in the Western Europe countries, with which
many Indonesian exporters were already familiar.
"Exporters should no longer worry about the paperwork. The Eastern
Europe countries have become more up to date in this regard," he said.
Mangasi said that the main problem about using the ports was the lack
of agents in Indonesia that could facilitate shipments to the region.
"Right now, Indonesian agents are dominated by the traditional ports.
There must be an effort to establish a system that connects agencies in
Indonesia to these new ports."
During a bilateral meeting between Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu
and Hungarian Economics and Transport Minister Janos Koka in Budapest
last week, Indonesia proposed that it use Hungary as a gateway for
penetrating the Eastern European market, and signed a commitment to
strengthen trade facilitation between the two countries.
Indonesian National Export Development Agency (BPEN) director Bachrul
Chairi said that Indonesian exporters interested in seeking market
opportunities in Hungary should contact the BPEN.
|
