Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is proud to be the official partner country of the Hannover Messe 2021: Digital Edition that was virtually inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel jointly on Tuesday.

"This is an extraordinary award, as we are trusted (to be the partner country), which we should be proud of. This is because several competing countries were also keen to be partner countries at the Hannover Messe,” Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita remarked here following the inauguration.

It is a matter of pride and a valuable momentum for Indonesia to be the partner country, he reiterated, adding that Indonesia is the first ASEAN member state to have the opportunity to become the partner country for Hannover Messe.

By becoming a partner country, Indonesia has demonstrated that it is a step ahead of its competitors, he stated.

"In addition, Indonesia will also be a special display at the Hannover Messe 2022 and once again become a partner country in 2023 when the expo will be held physically, as the pandemic is expected to end by that time," he remarked.

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This year's Hannover Messe is being held digitally on April 12-16, 2021. The new digital format adapts to current conditions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 1,800 exhibitors are featuring seven thousand products at the world's largest technology industry expo. It also features 1,700 trade shows and 700 live broadcasts by exhibitors presenting 1,150 speakers.

This year, Indonesia presents 156 exhibitors grouped into six categories comprising automation, motion, and drives, featuring 15 exhibitors, 56 digital ecosystems, 13 exhibitors showcasing energy solutions, 20 exhibitors presenting engineered parts solutions, 38 exhibitors displaying new work, and 15 exhibitors for global business & markets.

"Among the 156 exhibitors, 93 are new registrants and 63 exhibitors have registered themselves to take part in the Hannover Messe 2020. This means the enthusiasm of our industry players is huge for this event," the minister stated.

Kartasasmita expressed hope that Hannover Messe would increase investment, industrial cooperation, and business agreements.

Kartasasmita was upbeat about the industrial sector developing more rapidly in future.

President Jokowi earlier stated that the digital economy and industry 4.0 in Indonesia were the fastest in Southeast Asia. The country's startup ecosystem is also among the top five in the world.

“At the Hannover Messe 2021, startup companies have a great opportunity to strike business deals. We are certain that the startups we bring will be able to succeed in this event," he remarked.

Indonesia's presence as the country's official partner digitally will last for a year and will be used to optimally promote the capability of industrial technology in the country, he stated. Related news: Jokowi, Merkel to jointly open Hannover Messe 2021 Digital Edition





Translator: Sella PG, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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