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Second Indonesia Solo Exhibition inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah |
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The 2nd Indonesia Solo Exhibition was inaugurated on September 13, 2004, at Expo Centre Sharjah, by H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ports and Customs Authority, H.E. Faisal Bafadal, Indonesia’s Ambassador to UAE, and Ms. Diah Maulida, Chairperson of NAFED. The exhibition, which runs until September 17th, 2004, is part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to promote its exports in the Middle East and target re-export markets of Africa and CIS. The exhibition is being organised by the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED), a unit of the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Expo Centre Sharjah, with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a high ranking delegation from Indonesia as well as several officials and diplomats from around the Middle East region among others. H.E. Faisal Bafadal, Indonesia’s Ambassador to UAE, said on the occasion that he was extremely happy with the range of companies that had committed to exhibit their products at the Indonesia Solo Exhibition 2004 (ISE). "While the number of exhibitors has increased from last year, there are more varieties in the range of products," said H.E. Faisal Bafadal. This year, 309 companies are displaying their products at ISE, with better representation from across a wide range of exporters/manufacturers in Indonesia. Among the exhibitors there are 17 companies from the textile and garment and accessories sector displaying their products. "Indonesian textile sector companies are actively penetrating new markets and we believe the opportunity is there for visitors to ISE to make some good deals for our quality products," said Ms. Diah Maulida, Chairperson of NAFED. The range of products at this year’s ISE is wider and includes the following product areas: Cosmetics and Medical Equipment, Medicinal Herbs, Handicrafts, Textiles and Garments, Food and Beverages, Jewelry, Agriculture Products, Electronics, Machinery, Sporting Goods and Hobbies, Building Materials, Plastic Products, Packaging, Gifts and House ware, Office and Domestic Furniture, Stationery, Automotive Components and Services. Regional Governments are also well represented. A total of 41 different administrative regions and cities will be at ISE, joining in a special Government Regions Pavilion. Recognizing the success of the 1st Indonesia Solo Exhibition, some of Indonesia’s major corporate names are present this year, including the world’s number one instant noodle producer, PT Indofood Sukses Makmur. Other companies participating at ISE this year are less well-known in international business circles, but include specialist manufacturers of materials such as medical equipment, including clothing for doctors, nurses and patients. Some of Indonesia’s best export performers are also exhibiting, including those from the fast-growing electronics sector, paper and paper board manufacturers and another successful export area, such as ; machinery. Pharmaceutical producers are also showing their products. "Very few people realize that Indonesian pharmaceutical companies are a very strong force in global sales," said Ms. Maulida. "For instance, Indonesian companies produce 800 million doses of polio vaccine a year, or 40 % of the world demand." "Naturally," added Ms. Maulida, "the companies that were successful last year are back and many more companies are participating in ISE 2004 from the real hits of last year’s show such as essential oils and cosmetics." "We believe ISE this year can really say without fear of contradiction that there will be something for everyone," Ms. Maulida said. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Indonesia in organizing the exhibition and bringing in a large number of exhibitors to participate in the event this year. Urging regional businessmen to take advantage of interacting with the traders from Indonesia, he said the ISE offered vast opportunities for building up valuable contacts in sourcing and widening their business activities. "Looking at the strong participation from Indonesian companies and the wide interest that this exhibition has generated among traders and professionals in the Middle East region, we are confident that this event will further strengthen trade relations between this region and Indonesia," said Mr. Midfa. "Given that Indonesia is fast emerging as an important supplier of a wide range of consumer and industrial products, the ISE offers regional businessmen and investors an unrivalled opportunity to establish contacts with their counterparts in Indonesia, find new profitable product lines and consequently be a part of Indonesia’s success story in the Middle East markets," he added. The Indonesia Solo Exhibition is Indonesia’s largest and most comprehensive show of Indonesian Tourism, Trade and Investment Industry in the Gulf region. The exhibition assumes special significance as trade between Indonesia and the GCC states, especially the UAE, is growing at a steady pace. Indonesia’s total non-oil and gas exports in 2003 amounted to $57.2 billion and the rate of export growth touched 5.2 per cent. In 2004, the rate of export growth is expected to be seven per cent. Starting September 13 till September 16, 2004, the second ISE will be open daily for trade only from 10 am to 1 pm and 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. However, on September 17, 2004, the event will be open for both trade and public from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. An added attraction of this year’s ISE is the cultural and fashion shows that will be held on the sidelines. |
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