"Our dream is to make Indonesia, a fashion centre of ASEAN."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is keen on becoming the world`s fashion centre by 2025, with the advancement of the fashion industry in the country, according to a minister.

"Our dream is to make Indonesia, a fashion centre of ASEAN. Then, we would like to expand and become the fashion centre of the world," said Indonesia`s Tourism and Creative Economic Minister, Mari Elka Pangestu, on Wednesday.

The minister made this statement when she inaugurated the Indonesian Creative Products Week (PPKI), held from November 21 to 25, 2012, at Epiwalk Kuningan.

According to her, fashion designers should undergo coaching, training and development programs to improve their skills and understand fashion trends.

Mari Pangestu noted that together with the stakeholders in the fashion industry in Indonesia, the government has started the Indonesia Fashion Week and Jakarta Fashion Week, for fashion designers to showcase their work.

"In a country with abundant natural resources and rich culture, creativity in the field of fashion, can combine local taste with international trends," said Mari.

She added that one of the missions of the creative industry is to improve Indonesia`s image in the eyes of the international community.

Therefore, Mari said that for Indonesia to become a fashion centre, the country has to be a centre of inspiration too.

"To reach this goal, we must start with research and development, trainings and enhancement of human resources and business development," Mari added.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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