Business Partner Cities to hold 12th meeting
JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of 11 cities grouped in the Business Partner Cities (BPC) organization will hold their 12th annual round table, seminars and trade fair here on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22.
The Jakarta Chapter of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jaya) will host the meeting.
Kadin Jaya's foreign trade department chairman Andi Pancha, who also chairs the organizing committee, said the meeting and seminars would be used by delegations to exchange information on the economy, industry, infrastructure and other aspect's of life in their cities.
It will also be used to enhance business ties between the 11 cities. The trade fair, IndoExpo'98, will be used to promote each city's businesses and companies.
"Among topics to be discussed at the round table and seminars is Asia-Pacific region business and investment prospects in the aftermath of the monetary crisis," Andi said after briefing foreign ambassadors and the representatives of foreign embassies about the event.
Andi also said that questions over security remained a major deterrent to foreign investors considering a return to the country.
"People are concerned about whether Jakarta will be safe in October, but we will show them that their safety is guaranteed here so that we can restore the country's image," he said. "Now is an appropriate time to show them that our economy is starting to recover."
BPC, established in Osaka in 1986, groups the business cities of Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Bombay and Osaka.
It was established to create a strong business network between the cities.
Andi said that at least 34 companies would join the trade fair. The companies are involved in the production of yarn, textiles and textile products, clothing, paper and paper products, home and office furniture, footwear, cosmetics, glassware, chemical products, heavy equipment, agricultural commodities, food and beverages, and handicrafts. (gis)