Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand Tantowi Yahya (Photo: Antara)Hanoi (VNA) – Indonesia is planning to hold a trade exhibition in Auckland, NewZealand in July, with the support of New Zealand and Australia, to promote itsproducts and investment potential to South Pacific countries.
The Pacific Exposition trade, investment, and tourism exhibition willinvite countries in the region and Timor Leste. Through the event, Indonesiaaims to introduce its Melanesian traits and increase its presence in SouthPacific.
According to the Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, theexhibition, initiated by the Indonesian government, offers chances for Pacificcountries to enhance economic cooperation through various support programmes.
Indonesia’s population also consists of the Melanesian races in Papua,West Papua, and East Nusa Tenggara, as well as the Polynesian races in Malukuand North Maluku, he said.
Indonesia does not want to compete with New Zealand and Australia, nor evenwith the US and China, Tantowi said, noting that the country wants to introduceits superior products in culture, tourism, and trade, as well as its investmentpotential.
With a population of 260 million and 1.2 trillion USD in gross domesticproduct, Indonesia can become an easy market for Pacific countries that holdstrengths in agricultural, fishery, and tourism products, the diplomat said.
In March, the Indonesia South Pacific Forum (ISPF) took place in Jakarta, Indonesiawith the participation of 15 South Pacific nations. Various cooperation andtrade agreements were signed between countries at the forum. –VNA
