23/03/2013 (Bernama) - Industry Minister MS Hidayat said nine Indonesian commodities are ready to enter and compete in free Asean market in 2015, Indonesia's Antara news agency reported.

Hidayat told a workshop here on Thursday evening that the nine commodities , dominated by agribusiness products, include crude palm oil (CPO), cacao, and rubber; fish and processed fish products, textiles and textile products; footwear, leather and leather products; and furniture.

"They will be given the priority to enter the Asean market," Hidayat said.

Other commodities with relatively strong competitiveness are food and beverages, fertiliser and petrochemicals, machines and equipment, basic metals, steel and iron.

Meanwhile, a number of industrial commodities though relatively competitive still need to strengthen their domestic market foothold to face the threat from cheaper imported products from other countries such as China, Hidayat said.

The competitiveness of industrial commodities such as automotive products, electronic goods, cement, garments, footwear, food and beverages and furniture, still need to be improved, he said.

Hidayat said he hoped for full support of other related government agencies in controlling import goods, and in dealing against illicit and unhealthy trading practices, such as smuggling.

He also called for support in boosting development of infrastructure that would contribute to improving the competitiveness of Indonesian commodities.