Bali to host international exhibition

DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of local and foreign businesspeople will take part in an international exhibition of equipment, foods, beverages and services in Nusa Dua, Bali.

The event, called Food, Hotel and Tourism Bali 2004, will be held at the beginning of February.

"A total of 219 people have confirmed that they will participate in the three-day exhibition taking place from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7 this year in Nusa Dua, Bali," said the event's project manager, Wiwiek Roberto, on Saturday.

The participants are eager to come to Bali because they see business opportunities on the resort island in the aftermath of the Bali bombings in 2002, Wiwiek said.

She said the event would also include a culinary competition, which would give young chefs the opportunity to exhibit their skills before an international panel of judges.

"Other events will include ice, fruit and vegetable carving and cooking," she said.

I Gede Ardika, the Balinese state minister for culture and tourism, is also expected to attend the event. --Antara