Ships to link Kupang, Australia

Ships to link Kupang, Australia

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Australia's Northern Territory and
East Nusa Tenggara are to open a shipping line linking Kupang and
Darwin to boost trade relations between the two regions, a local
official said here.

Head of the East Nusa Tenggara industry and trade ministry
office Wilem Therik said Thursday the shipping service would be
extend to Surabaya in East Java and Benoa in Bali. A ship will
serve the route twice a month as of next March, Antara reported.

The ship is to export commodities from the province to be
marketed in Australia.

Wilem said his office would soon hold a meeting with local
businessmen to discuss the province's products that were in
greatest demand in Australia.

He predicted that ceramics, paper, leather and bamboo
furniture would have good market prospects down under.