"This event also serves as a proof of the East Java provincial government's commitment to encouraging MSMEs' development," Parawansa noted through a statement, Saturday.
The governor expects the 2022 Jatim Fair to be able to motivate MSMEs to revive after being battered by the pandemic for the last two years.
In addition, she expects more young entrepreneurs to be able to penetrate new markets, including the export market, by bringing local products.
The 2022 Jatim Fair can be a business forum that connects producers and buyers not just from East Java but also from outside the province, island, and the country with various backgrounds.
The governor is optimistic that this event can be the driver of the people's economic revival, specifically in East Java.
This is possible, especially since the event is held offline after it was held with the hybrid concept for two consecutive years, she remarked.
Parawansa seeks to extend the time for 2022 Jatim Fair to allow bigger trade transactions and opportunity for MSMEs to reach a broader market.
"East Java MSMEs' network will become broader. This established connection will lead to trade transaction. This event also becomes a benchmark to measure competitiveness of the exhibited products," she noted.
MSMEs play an important role in the economy in East Java, she stated.
The contribution of MSMEs and cooperatives to East Java's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2021 had reached 57.81 percent, a 0.56-percent increase as compared to that in 2020.
The 2022 Jatim Fair will also be optimized by the East Java provincial government to disseminate information on various programs and policies to the people, Parawansa stated.
"It also encompasses various aspirations, critiques, and suggestions from the people, so that the implementation of public service in East Java can be better," she added.
Some 281 MSMEs within and outside East Java participate in the 2022 Jatim Fair themed "Optimistic East Java Revive" held at Grand City Surabaya's Exhibition Hall for seven days on October 7-13, 2022.
Apart from visiting it directly, people can also purchase products featured in the 2022 Jatim Fair through Tokopedia.
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Translator: Abdul H, Hanif N, Fadhli R
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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