Export exhibition in October

JAKARTA (JP): The National Agency for Export Development (BPEN) will organize a major export exhibition next year at the Jakarta Fair ground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

"The 15th annual National Merchandise and Commodity Show is slated to be held on Oct. 18 to Oct. 22 next year," BPEN chairman Gusmadi Bustami said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the agency and the city-controlled Jakarta Fair Foundation (Yayasan PRJ) at City Hall on Wednesday.

He said there had been an increase in the number of participants over the past two years.

"There were 919 participants in this year's exhibition, compared to 800 participants in 1998," Gusmadi said.

"However, the total transactions decreased from US$71.2 million in 1998 to US$59.4 million in 1999."

"There were 3,158 buyers from 80 countries in 1999, while there were 2,799 buyers from 99 countries last year."

Deputy Governor for Development Affairs Budihardjo Sukmadi said events like this could help the country's economy recover.

"The show will be an effective and efficient promotion arena for Indonesian businessmen. The exhibition will be held at a more conducive and stable time compared with this years, so we hope it will attract more buyers next year," he said.

Gusmadi revealed that the annual exhibition would be held concurrently with the 4th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) International Trade Fair.

"It will be a perfect opportunity to conduct two-way trade and look for working capital for our industries," he said, while citing that there would be 21 countries participating in the APEC trade fair. (05)