Jakarta to hold Trade Expo Indonesia

Jakarta will host Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2013 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) on Oct. 16-20, where trade transactions are expected to reach US$2 billion, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said.

"Entering its 28th year, Trade Expo Indonesia is set to return better than ever this year. TEI`s theme this year is `Remarkable Indonesia`; it was chosen to illustrate the diversity of Indonesian products that add value, are of a high quality, and are ready to be exported," stated Minister Gita Wirjawan at a press conference on Tuesday.

He noted that 7,112 international buyers from 92 countries have registered for TEI 2013, and he expects this number to rise to 10 thousand people by the time the exhibition opens. 

This year, 60 thousand square meters of space is available, and 89 percent of it is already occupied by exhibitors.

The Minister stated that this year`s expo was targeting transactions worth a total of US$2 billion for goods and services. 

"We are quite optimistic because we are targeting not only transactions made during the exhibition but also trade contracts signed for the long term," he acknowledged.

The Trade Minister explained that the registered international buyers have shown interest in value-added finished goods, such as textiles and textile products, furniture, processed food and beverages, and paper and rubber products. 

"This marks the start of a shift from (raw) commodity exports to exporting value-added goods. We hope this will increase the value of Indonesian non-oil exports," he said.

Chief Executive of TEI 28 Gusmardi Bustami added that this year`s expo will also offer several skilled-labor production services that meet international standards. 

"The competitiveness of Indonesia`s production services is quite high, given that many Indonesian workers have highly valued skill sets that are priced competitively," he explained. Production services that will be showcased at the exhibition include skilled-labor services, mining services, and banking and insurance services.

In addition to the expo, the Ministry of Trade, in cooperation with other ministries, such as the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), will roll out events such as the Trade and Investment Forum, one-on-one business meetings, business clinics, and company visits.

According to Gusmardi, peripheral activities are no less important than the expo itself. "Through these activities, Indonesian businesspeople can learn the conditions of the target export markets, examine the opportunities and challenges of entering a particular market, meet directly with potential trading partners, and enjoy many other benefits," he added.

TEI has attracted qualified buyers from around the world to participate in the expo. But its role is not isolated from that played by the Indonesian Representative Office abroad, including the Commercial Attache and Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), which has marketed the event to overseas buyers through road-shows and promotions.

This year`s expo will also feature the TEI Export Development Pavilion, which will exhibit various products such as strategic industrial products (aircraft, ships, defense equipment, radar telecommunications); biotechnology, downstream agricultural products, plantation, and mining; automotive products; creative products and information technology; skilled labor services (nurses, operators); professional and consulting services; and products created by small and medium enterprises.

TEI 2013 is also organizing a series of exhibitions, including Jakarta Fashion Week 2014, which will be held on Oct. 17-25, preceded by Buyers Room activities on Oct. 17-19 at Senayan City, Jakarta, the Yogyakarta Trade Expo 2013 on Oct. 18-22 in Yogyakarta, and the Bali World Seafood Show to be held on Oct. 22 and 23 at the Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua Bali. (Antara)