Expo opens with bright outlook

JAKARTA: The limited US-led air strike on Baghdad which started on Thursday morning did not affect the businesspeople who were attending the opening of the Jakarta International China Expo 2003 at Kemayoran Fair Ground in Central Jakarta.

Governor Sutiyoso said at the opening of the event, which would last until Sunday, that Jakarta was safe and conducive for foreign investment.

This was reflected by the data for foreign investment in the city, which increased from US$315.83 million in 2001 to $1.2 billion in 2002, he said. While the per capita regional gross domestic product increased from Rp 26.18 million to Rp 30.1 million in 2002.

Jakarta expects economic growth to be 4 percent this year, compared to 3.87 percent last year and 3.64 percent in 2001. The inflation in 2001 was 11.52 percent while last year it was 9.08.

The expo features various products, including electronic appliances, automotive spare parts, machinery, as well as general commodities such as textile and garments, furniture and ceramics. -- JP