15 Indonesian firms to join trade expo in Darwin
15 Indonesian firms to join trade expo in Darwin
JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen local companies will take part in next
month's Northern Territory Expo in Darwin, Australia, according
to the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED).
NAFED chief Gusmardi Bustami said on Tuesday the companies'
participation was important to boost Indonesia's exports to its
neighbor.
"The economic crisis has affected the country's exports of
particular commodities to Australia," he said.
Bilateral trade value declined 18.2 percent in January and
February this year to US$417 million, he said.
Indonesia's exports to Australia dropped 20.3 percent to $245
million during January and February from the same period last
year, he said.
Local exporters are being encouraged to use Darwin as a
gateway to market their products in Australia and Pacific
countries because of its strategic and convenient location, he
said.
Companies from Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the
Philippines and China will participate in the expo from July 7 to
July 11.
Participating Indonesian companies will offer various
products, including wooden and rattan furniture, clothes,
textiles, handicrafts, ceramics and plastics.
Indonesia has participated in the expo since 1993.
Free facilities, including exhibition space and the shipment
of the products to be displayed during the event, are provided by
the Australian government for Indonesian participants.
Representatives of the Northern Territory in Jakarta also will
help the companies to meet Australian importers.
Bustami said Indonesia's exports to Australia, particularly of
paper, carton and its byproducts, mining commodities and
appliances, showed an increase during 1998 and in early 1999
despite the country's decline in total export value.
Indonesia's exports of non-oil commodities to Australia surged
66.5 percent in the first two months of 1999 to reach $25
million, he said.
Exports of mining commodities also increased 45.7 percent
during January and February to reach $7 million, while exports of
appliances rose 44.1 percent to $8 million, he added. (cst)