First Lady Iriana, Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto, Chairman of the Indonesia Creative Economy Agency (BEKRAF) Triawan Munaf, Secretary of State Pramono Anung, and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were among the attendees at the opening ceremony.
Prior to the international exhibition being opened, President Widodo delivered a speech following a handover of a report by Minister Hartarto.
International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft) organizer was earlier eyeing Rp149 billion in retail transactions and US$13 million trade contracts.
"We have targeted to realize trade contracts reaching US$13 million and retail sales of Rp149 billion (US$10.58 million) at the event to be organized on Apr 24-28,"
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Handicraft Producers and Exporters Association (Asephi) Gusmardi Bustamil revealed.
Furthermore, Bustamil estimates 200 thousand footfalls at the event lasting five days.
He remarked that the event, organized since 1999 on a yearly basis, will put the spotlight on arts and cultures along with handicraft products from Betawi.
Bustamil confirmed that the exhibition's core theme was “From Smart Village to Global Market.”
The event is expected to attract a total of 1,700 regional administrations, ministries, state-owned enterprises, and individuals.
Morocco, the honorary participant at the event, will be showcasing its crafts and cultural diversity in a hall spanning 216 square meters.
Japan, Poland, Pakistan, and Hong Kong are among other friendly nations participating in the international exhibition in which a thousand buyers from some 60 nations are expected to attend.
Translator: Agus Salim / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
