Pasar Lebaran Jogja opened at JEC

Pasar Lebaran Jogja opened at JEC

YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to provide people visiting the city, in conjunction with Idul Fitri celebrations, with various necessities for the holiday season, the Yogyakarta Provincial Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Office, in cooperation with the Provincial Tourism Agency (Baparda), is holding the Pasar Lebaran Jogja 2004 at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) from Nov. 11 to Nov. 20, 2004.

State Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Surya Dharma Ali officially opened on Thursday the expo, which saw 100 vendors from Yogyakarta and its surroundings taking part.

A variety of commodities ranging from staple foods, souvenirs, toys and bicycles to furniture are on display at the expo, which was initiated last year by the two government bodies.

"We hope to achieve business transactions of at least Rp 1 billion during the 10-day expo," Pasar Lebaran Jogja 2004 Organizing Committee chairman Tazbir told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of the opening ceremony on Thursday.

Tazbir also expressed optimism that the target would be fulfilled, given that last year's business transactions amounted to some Rp 800 million, with only around 60 traders participating in the event.

"The event is aimed at providing people, especially those from the lower income brackets, with shopping alternatives at lower prices," said Tazbir.

He added that it was hoped the event would help to reduce crowding along Jl. Solo and Jl. Malioboro as well as promote the business climate in the city. -- JP