RI TO HOLD STRATEGIC INDUSTRY EXHIBITION IN COLOMBIA

Jakarta, March 3 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Embassy in Colombia is to hold a national strategic industry exhibition starting on April 28-30, 2010, first secretary of the embassy, RDM Johan J Mulyadi, said here on Wednesday.

"This exhibition aims to promote Indonesia's strategic industry to Colombia. The activity is in accordance with Indonesian minister of foreign affairs' instruction that diplomats need to help increasing Indonesia's trade value with another country," First Secretary at the Indonesian embassy in Colombia, RDM Johan J Mulyadi, said here on Wednesday.

Johan said the exhibition will be participated in by representatives from several national strategic industries such as state owned weapon producer PT PINDAD, ship manufacturer PT PAL, state aircraft producer PT DI, textile producer for military purpose Sritex and firefighter car producer PT New Sentosa.

The exhibition's committee, he said, limited the visitors only for potential buyers such as from Colombian government, defense ministry, police, military and entrepreneurs.

"We want to expand Indonesia's market here since Colombia is one the countries in Latin America which depends on import products," he said.

Johan argued Indonesian products such as shoes and fashion products have already settled in Colombian market. However, the price were very expensive since Colombian buyer get the commodities from the third party.

Therefore, he said, Indonesian Embassy in Colombia since 2007 has been promoting direct trade between the two countries.

"We have invited several Colombian entrepreneurs to come to Indonesian Export Product exhibition in Jakarta. There has been a significant rise in trade value between Indonesia and Colombia ever since," he said.

In 2008, Indonesia-Colombia trade value is worth US$117 million. The number is rising compared to the previous year with US$112 million. In 2009, the trade value increases significantly with US$130 million.