T

he government is expecting US$800 million in goods transactions at the country’s biggest trade exhibition slated for October, one of its efforts to revive subdued exports and imports recorded last month.

The Trade Ministry is optimistic that at least 1,100 exhibitors will partake in the 31st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) to be held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) venue in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Oct. 12 to 16.

It expects to see around 14,700 visitors purchase both goods and services exhibited there.

The Trade Ministry’s director general for national export development, Arlinda, said the TEI would provide an impetus for the country to improve its trade data following seven-year low export figures recorded in July.

“This event is a good way to promote our goods and services,” Arlinda told a press conference at the ministry’s office on Wednesday.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the country’s monthly export figure in July was the lowest since 2009 and fell 17.02 percent compared to the same period in 2015.

Demand for Indonesian non-oil and gas products from the US, Japan and China, the country’s three biggest trading partners, plunged in July on an annual basis.

Shipments to the US dropped by 39 percent year-on-year (yoy) to $991 million, while those to Japan and China dropped 34 percent yoy to $821.6 million and 25 percent yoy to $915.7 million, respectively.

Arlinda said around 4,000 buyers from more than 10 countries had registered to participate in the TEI, lauding efforts by the Foreign Ministry to promote the event overseas.

As of Tuesday, Nigeria topped the list of countries with the most participants, committing to send 433 buyers to the TEI, followed by Saudi Arabia with 93 buyers and India with 83 buyers.

A number of institutions have also expressed their commitment to support the event, such as the Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

Kadin chairman Rosan P. Roeslani said the chamber would support the event by mediating between potential foreign buyers and local business players.

The expo will be divided into six zones showcasing different products, namely manufactured goods; furniture and home decorations; food, beverages, fisheries and agricultural products; premium craft, beauty and lifestyle; creative industry; and services and investment.

Unlike in previous years, the October expo would also serve as a stage for the surging creative industry, Arlina said. “Business players in the culinary, fashion and handicrafts sectors can showcase their products at the TEI.” (mos)