"The role of UKM is increasingly important. In Indonesia, UMKM is one of the most important pillars of the Indonesian economy," Charge d`Affaires Ad Interim of KBRI in Laos A. Firman Arif W. Soepalal remarked while opening the exhibition at the Vientiane Center, Laos, on Saturday.
Soepalal pointed out that Indonesia currently has some 54 million UKM, and the figure is estimated to support up to some 60 percent of the national gross domestic product.
According to Soepalal, the exhibition is being held to promote a variety of products made in Indonesia from about 10 companies operating in the areas of culinary, handicrafts, and fashion.
He remarked that the KBRI in Vientiane, Laos, had not only facilitated but also improved "people-to-people" contacts or relations between Indonesians and Laotians.
At the exhibition, the KBRI also facilitated three local companies from Laos to open outlets to boost relations between UKM.
"This local company is well-known for its high-quality crafts and will increase the diversity of products at this exhibition," he added.
The opening of the exhibition was also attended by Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Laos Chanthachone Vongsay.
The exhibition offers the planetarium walk as an attraction to showcase educational information on astronomy and astrology.
After the opening, officials from Indonesia and Laos along with several invited guests from other countries had the opportunity to experience the planetarium walk.
Reported by Muhammad Razi Rahman
(T.KR-TQA/INE)
(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/A014)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
