Kupang proposed as marketing center

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Australia proposed Kupang be developed as a marketing center for Australian and Indonesian products, Communication Forum of East Nusa Tenggara, East Timor and Australian Businessmen chairman Ferdi Tanoni told Antara on Monday.

Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara, can be used as a gateway for the export of Australian and Indonesian products to other countries, Tanoni said following a meeting with the special envoy for North Australia's trade minister, Rick Setter, and the governor of the province.

"The authorities have welcomed the idea of developing Kupang as a marketing center for Australian and Indonesian products," he said. The proposal will be discussed further with government officials and businessmen.

Tanoni said the Kupang Expo slated for October would be entirely managed by the private sector.

The last time Kupang hosted such an expo was in December 1997. Similar show have been held in Darwin, North Australia. (edt)