JAKARTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia posted a 5.51 percent of industrial growth for major and middle manufacturing groups in the third quarter (Q3) this year, higher than 5.2 percent national economic growth estimated throughout the quarter, a minister said here on Friday.
The Q3 industry growth figure was higher than 3.89 percent in the previous quarter and 4.87 percent in the corresponding period last year.
Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said that food and beverage manufacturing contributed significantly to the growth at 9.24 and 3.4 percent respectively, collectively accounted for 27.13 percent to the growth figure throughout the period.
The other manufacturing group prominently contributing to industrial growth in the period was the basic metal industry, that includes automotive industry, which grew 11.97 percent.
"The national automotive sector is now not merely fulfilling domestic market, but serves as the production basis for exports by the manufacturers," the minister said.
Looking forward to further expanding national industry sector, the minister expected to see more investments in the sector and acceleration of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation with European countries, Australia and the United States.
