REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Low calorie healthy drinks and instant food and beverage products from Indonesia have attracted a number of potential buyers at the African Big Seven (AB7) Fair held from June 19-21, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"South Africa plays an important role as a gateway for Indonesia's exports to other African countries, such as Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland," the Head of Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Johannesburg, Pontas Tobing, said in a press release received by Antara here on Thursday.

Pontas informed that some potential buyers have expressed an interest in bringing these products to the South African market and then distribute these across the African continent.

Indonesia's participation in the AB7 is part of the efforts to boost exports and penetrate the South Africa as a non-traditional market.

According to Pontas, South African firms showed much enthusiasm about Indonesia's food and beverage products, reflected in the high demand. These products are of good quality and meet health standards.

The AB7 is the most prestigious consumer goods exhibition in Africa, and its 2016 edition saw the participation of 72 countries and 13 thousand buyers, all engaged in food and beverage industries, food and beverage technologies, retail products and food business.

Indonesia's participation was initiated by the ITPC in Johannesburg in cooperation with the Association of Food and Beverage of Indonesia (GAPMMI).

For the exhibition, featuring eight Indonesian companies, the ITPC in Johannesburg cooperated with the Consulate General in Cape Town. The latter organized business matches for the Indonesian participants with the help of Chamber of Commerce of Cape Town to explore business potential in the southern region of South Africa.

The trade balance between Indonesia and South Africa in April 2016 recorded a surplus of US$121.72 million.

Meanwhile, the value of Indonesia's exports to South Africa amounted to US$205.11 million and Indonesia's import from South Africa amounted to US$83.39 million.

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