Jayawijaya Regent meets Trade Minister to strengthen regional economy

Wamena, Papua Tengah — The Regent of Jayawijaya district, Papua Tengah, Atenius Murib met with Trade Minister Budi Santoso to promote economic strengthening in his region.

Atenius stated in a written statement issued in Wamena on Friday that the meeting held in Jakarta discussed plans for the development of traditional markets and strengthening of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jayawijaya district.

“Of course, what we are doing is part of efforts to promote regional economic growth and improve people’s welfare,” he said.

According to him, the Jayawijaya district government is committed to improving trade infrastructure, including revitalisation of traditional markets and development of representative and hygienic markets.

“This is considered important in order to create a well-organised trading ecosystem that is safe and able to increase the competitiveness of local products,” he said.

He expressed hope that through this meeting, the Jayawijaya district government would receive full support from the Trade Ministry in market development and MSME strengthening in Jayawijaya district.

“The potential of our local commodities is very large, both agricultural products, handicrafts and processed products from the community, which need to be supported in terms of infrastructure and market access,” he added.

He further noted that the development of adequate and modern markets would have a direct impact on increasing community economic activity, while serving as an effective distribution centre for goods in the Central Papua highlands region.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Budi Santoso welcomed the proposals and aspirations presented by the Jayawijaya district government.

“We are committed to supporting the development of traditional markets and MSMEs in various regions including in Papua as part of the national economic equalisation programme,” he said.