Poles seek to do business in Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): Eight mining and electric companies from Poland are seeking business opportunities in Indonesia's growing infrastructure sector.

Promotional manager of the Polish Chamber of Commerce Kararzyna Kaniewska said yesterday the companies offered high- tech equipment and consultancy for mining and power projects.

"Poland is well-known for its mining industry, especially coal mining," she said.

The companies are currently taking part in the four-day Mining and Electricity Indonesia exhibition at the Kemayoran Fairgrounds, Central Jakarta, until Saturday.

The eight companies are Famago S.A., manufacturer of strip -mining machinery, Ciech-Stomil Ltd, manufacturer of conveyor belts, Elgo, manufacturer of lighting equipment, Elektrometal S.A., manufacturer of lighting equipment, communications systems and safety equipment for mining, Fasing-MOJ Co Ltd and Faser S.A., manufacturers of mining equipment, Ozarow S.A., manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, and Alpex Co Ltd, a consultancy firm for mining projects.

A foreign relations staff member of Faser, Elzbieta Ossowska, said Polish mining and electrical products, well-known for their quality, were cheaper than those from West European countries.

She said no Indonesian companies had thus far bought Polish products due to a lack of information.

According to data from the Polish Embassy, two-way trade volume decreased to US$63 million in the first half of this year from $79.7 million in the same period last year.

Indonesian exports to Poland dropped to $45.7 million in the first half of this year from $59.4 million, while imports from Poland fell to $17.3 million from $20.3 million.

Indonesian exports to Poland include cocoa, coffee, garments, footwear, natural rubber, tea, electrical goods, paper products, telecommunications equipment, furniture and processed wood.

Imports from Poland include machinery and equipment, steel products, pulp and paper waste, and powdered milk. (jsk)