"The three main focuses of this event are fishery exports, investment, and regional potential development," he noted here on Friday.
The event is expected to drive improvement in the quality and quantity of marine product exports, including development of supporting facilities, competent and competitive human resources, post-harvest support, cold chain that backs up fishery exports, as well as regulations that sustain the business climate.
At Sail Teluk Cenderawasih, an investment forum will be hosted to attract prospective investors, which in turn would drive regional development, the minister noted.
A cultural arts exhibition and festival on February 1-3, 2023, also serves as a good example in the efforts to promote the region.
"I appealed to the regional government to be the first in facilitating, buying, and using various good quality local products from their region. This is an actual form of the 'Proudly Made in Indonesia' spirit and love for domestic products," he elaborated.
The event also becomes a momentum to instill a stronger sense of pride in travelling domestically. The minister believes that this spirit should be upheld at times, such as during the post-pandemic period, so as to encourage economic recovery, particularly in the tourism sector.
"I support the various initiatives and activities that will be hosted throughout this year as a series of the Cenderawasih Bay Sail. I want the hype and enthusiasm of these activities to be maintained until the peak in November," he stated.
Minister Pandjaitan opined that Sail Teluk Cenderawasih could serve as a platform for Papua to express the spirit of unity and togetherness in regional development through collaboration between plethora of stakeholders.
The event is expected to not only end up as being a mere ceremonial thing but also be consistently maintained in the coming years. Thus, the various programs, activities, and developments initiated through this event can be pursued for the welfare of one and all.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia G P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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