"This exhibition is part of the series of activities of the 1st ASEAN Village Network Meeting, where we showcase MSME products from villages in Indonesia as well as ASEAN countries," he said in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday.
He mentioned that representatives from village-owned enterprises and tourism villages in Indonesia are exhibiting interesting products at the event.
"This activity should be followed up so that cooperation among ASEAN villages can run," he said.
Indonesia is currently holding the chairmanship of ASEAN, with the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," reflecting its goal of making ASEAN an important and relevant global growth center.
At the 42nd ASEAN Summit held from May 9–11, 2023, in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, the bloc's leaders produced several important documents, including a Declaration on the Establishment of an ASEAN Villages Network.
Iskandar said that the exhibition is expected to help villages in ASEAN, especially in Indonesia, strengthen their economic growth and improve their human resource quality.
"(This exhibition) will encourage the acceleration of economic growth, as we can expect to witness cooperation agreements forged between village-owned enterprises of different countries," he explained.
The minister also said that the expo is expected to become a platform for villages to promote their products while preserving their cultural heritage and diversity.
"Villages can introduce their featured products and promote their respective cultures and identities," he noted.
He then expressed hope that the exhibition will also serve as a medium for rural communities in ASEAN to exchange knowledge and experiences that can help them build their capacity.
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Translator: Victorianus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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