20/10/2011 (VIVAnews.com) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has officially appointed Gita Wirjawan as Trade Minister replacing Mari Elka Pangestu in response to the cabinet reshuffle. The Indonesian president calls on Gita to improve domestic trade in an effort to reinforce the economy following the global economic downturn.

Oil palm plantation owners said as regards the assignment that Gita Wirjawan has earned strong reputation as prominent figure in investment sector.

"He has good reputation in international trade," said Fadhil Hasan, executive director of Indonesia Oil Palm Entrepreneurs.

The previous Trade Minister is seen as being much into the free trade agreement with a number of countries causing more imported goods to flood Indonesia. "Pak Gita should be improving the domestic market and taking more consideration on the FTA," he said.

"In addition to making possible market liberalization, he must pay more attention to the domestic market."