Bandar Seri Begawan - The first Indonesian Product Expo was launched yesterday, with the aim of showcasing Indonesian products as well as adding further value to and strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Officiating the launch was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pg Anak (Dr) Hj Kemaludin Ibni Al-Marhum Pg Bendahara Pg Anak Hj Mohd Yassin, the Speaker of the Legislative Council who attended as the guest of honour.
Also present at the event were Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the diplomatic corps, senior government officers as well as invited guests. The venue of the five-day event is the indoor stadium in Berakas.
In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Herijanto Soeprapto said that "Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia are not only benevolent neighbours but also closely enjoy a strong partnership in many aspects and dimensions." The ambassador went on to add that the state visit of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Indonesia last April provided a new impetus for a stronger commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship at all levels with a view of maximising mutual benefits for the two countries. He also took the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mandiri, Brunei Hotel and Royal Brunei Airlines for their support and contribution in making the Indonesian Product Fair a success.
The first Indonesian expo features some 100 booths displaying a variety of Indonesian products. The exhibition is a collaboration of local company Syarikat Perdana Sdn Bhd and PT Prima Cipta Mandiri as well as the Indonesian Embassy of Brunei Darussalam. The exhibition also presents a venue for meeting business counterparts for commercial opportunities as well as offering international products with an Indonesian touch ranging from handicraft, garments, jewellery, vanity items, textiles, silverware, furniture, food products and Muslim clothing.
There was also a cultural presentation of Indonesia during the launching ceremony yesterday. By Jon Tampoi
Source: http://www.brunei-online.com (July 04, 2008)