Expo a draw for multinational enterprises
JAKARTA (JP): Over 1,000 multinational companies are taking part in a four-day exhibition at the Jakarta International Exhibition Center in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
The participants, who mostly came from Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, United States and the United Kingdom, will display their latest technology in the mining, electricity and oil and gas exposition, which will end on Saturday, the organizer said.
Trade commissions of several countries, such as Germany, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom, also joined the exposition, which was officially opened by Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday.
"I hope all the participants will take full advantage of the new opportunities in this forum to extend their business in the global network, especially in Indonesia," the minister said in his speech at the opening of the exhibition.
Representatives of the trade commissions said they took part in the exposition to benefit from the recovery process of the country's economy.
"I think the new government in Indonesia needs to review the infrastructure in the oil and gas sector to make it attractive for overseas companies to invest in, especially in the infrastructure provision," said Neil McMillan, the deputy director of British Trade International.
Speaking about the prospects in the oil and gas business in Indonesia, McMillan said Indonesia, as the biggest contributor of liquid natural gas (LNG) in the world, could develop its gas projects by exporting it to potential emerging markets in the region.
"There is a growing demand for LNG in India and China which Indonesia could supply amid the current competitive market," he said, highlighting on long-term contracts to gain value and to minimize the cost by improving the technology in the business.
At least 22 companies are participating in the exhibition, such as Dawson Downie Lamont, Druck Limited and United Pipelines Asia Pacific. Australia also features a strong presence in the exposition, with 826 companies involved.(07)