Thu, 23 Aug 2007

JAKARTA (Antara): A large number of Australian companies were set to participate in next week's Australian Building Exhibition in Jakarta end of this month, highlighting the strong Australian interest in trade and investment opportunities in Indonesia, Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said in a press statement.

He said that over 40 of Australia's major building and construction companies will attend OZBUILD EXPO 2007 on Aug. 28-29, with this year's event almost double the size of the inaugural last year’s expo.

"The expo brings together the latest Australian technology and products in building and construction, as well as leading architects from both countries," Farmer said.

"Nanotechnology coatings, low cost and durable prefabricated housing, building automation systems and architectural membrane structures will be among the advanced products and technologies on display at the Expo," he said.

He added that there would also be a range of environmentally-friendly products and techniques for visitors to see.

The Ambassador said Australian companies recognized the vast opportunities in building and construction in Indonesia in the years ahead, particularly given the forecast potential growth in new urban areas.

"Australian firms are well placed to continue to work with their Indonesian partners in planning, designing and building the infrastructure required to support this growth," he said.

The Australian ambassador said that as well as showcasing Australian capabilities in the sector, OZBUILD EXPO 2007 will provide a great opportunity for business networking, as local firms seek solutions for their building and construction needs.

Two-way trade in building and construction products and services between Australia and Indonesia rose 20 per cent in 2006 to Rp 960 billion (US$106.7million).

OZBUILD has been organized by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), with support from the Indonesian Contractors Association. (**)