"We have to learn from the economic crisis in 1998 and have to unite to face the condition. I also thank entrepreneurs, economists and journalists for their contributions during the crisis when the economic growth dropped by 4.3 percent," Yudhoyono sJakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the people to help maintain the positive momentum of the national economy to achieve the target of economic growth, even though the global economic condition has not recovered.
"I call on the people, including the government and regional administrations, to understand the issues of global economy which is still covered by uncertainty and recession. Thus, Indonesia will cooperate with global and regional partner countries to increase the national economic growth", the President said here on Wednesday at Trade Expo Indonesia.
Yudhoyono stated that the cooperation of all elements is needed to boost the national economic growth based on the success of rallying through the economic crisis during 2008 and 2009.
"We have to learn from the economic crisis in 1998 and have to unite to face the condition. I also thank entrepreneurs, economists and journalists for their contributions during the crisis when the economic growth dropped by 4.3 percent," he said.
He also urged the foreign businessmen to create mutual cooperation schemes, as well as to avoid the trade protection policy which would cause disruption among countries.
The President also opened the Trade Expo Indonesia which will be held from October 17-21, 2012 at the Jakarta Fair Complex.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Minister of Trade Gita Wirjawan, Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, a number of officials, ambassadors of various countries and businessmen from Indonesia and abroad.
Last year, at least 8300 buyers from 100 countries attended the event with total goods transactions worth US$225.9 million and labour absorption worth US$238.5 million being conducted.
Trade Minister Wirjawan said that there are likely to be 5300 buyers from 100 countries at the event this year, with targeted transactions worth US$2 billion.
"I realize that the target is too ambitious, but I`m optimistic that we can achieve it," he said.
The Indonesian Trade Fair is being attended by state-owned enterprises and businessmen from across the country are exhibiting various products, such as processed products, plants and handicrafts.
"The visitors will find a wide range of products here, from handicraft to aircraft," Wirjawan added. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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