2,000 delegates expected for 1994 fair

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday said he expected 2,000 delegates from local and foreign companies to participate in the Jakarta trade fair from June 18 to July 16.

"Last year only 1,912 people took part," Surjadi recalled.

Surjadi made the statement after meeting Vice President Try Sutrisno at the latter's office, during which time he asked Try to officially open the event, which has been held annually since the mid-1960s in connection with the anniversary of Jakarta.

This year's fair, like the last three years, will be held at the new Jakarta Fairgrounds in Kemayoran New Township, Central Jakarta.

Four foreign countries, Australia, Pakistan, Taiwan and Iran, as well as dozens of private firms from 13 nations will display their wares in the yearly fair.

The fair is designed to promote economic and trade activities in the capital city.

PT Jakarta International Trade Fair Corporation (JITC) President Soekardjo Hardjosoewirjo, who accompanied Surjadi to the meeting, said that beginning this year the organizing committee will impose new regulations governing the opening hours of the fair.

Soekardjo said this year the fair will open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Last year the fair's hours were limited to 3 to 10 p.m.

"On weekdays the fair will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. as usual," Soekardjo said.

Soekardjo also said that at least three million people were expected to attend the fair this year.

In order to lure visitors, the organizing committee will arrange for special transport to and from the trade fair arena.

"The city administration will operate 450 buses to carry people who want to visit the fair," Soekardjo said. (has)