Dian Kuswandini, The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 05/15/2008 1:21 AM | Headlines
China and India gain popularity through the existence of "Chinatowns" and "Little Indias" all over the world. Now, Indonesia is set to follow suit by opening a permanent market in Shanghai on May 22.
The market, called "Indonesia Street", will display high quality Indonesian products with competitive prices, according to Sukardi Koto, the CEO of Indonesia Street Shanghai.
"I often receive orders from Chinese business players. They are enthusiastic about Indonesian products because of good quality and affordable prices," Sukardi said.
In the long term, Sukardi added, another 10 Indonesian markets will be opened in 10 big cities in China.
"Indonesian business firms hope the Indonesia Streets will make it easier to attract Chinese customers and penetrate the market," Sukardi said.
He said the Indonesia Street market, sponsored by Indonesian businesses and supported by the Indonesian and Chinese governments, would be a permanent feature so that people could visit whenever they want.
"We decided to open a market in Shanghai because it is a developed city with good infrastructure... and very strategic for business.
"Shanghai is not too far from Indonesia and there is a growing furniture production and retailing industry in the surrounding area, so we can promote our products there," Sukardi said.
Projecting Indonesian artifacts and lifestyle, the market is also aimed at promoting Indonesian culture to the Chinese people.
"Indonesia Street will provide all things Indonesian.
"We aim to promote Indonesian culture as well as products and support the growth of Indonesian exports," Sukardi said.
According to the Central Statistic Agency, Indonesia recorded an increase of 33 percent in total trade with China, from U$$10.97 billion in 2006 to $14.62 billion in 2007.
Non-oil and gas exports to China increased by 22 percent last year, from some $5.47 billion in 2006 to some $6.66 billion. Non-oil and gas imports from China increased by 45 percent, from $5.5 billion to $7.9 billion.
China and India gain popularity through the existence of "Chinatowns" and "Little Indias" all over the world. Now, Indonesia is set to follow suit by opening a permanent market in Shanghai on May 22.
The market, called "Indonesia Street", will display high quality Indonesian products with competitive prices, according to Sukardi Koto, the CEO of Indonesia Street Shanghai.
"I often receive orders from Chinese business players. They are enthusiastic about Indonesian products because of good quality and affordable prices," Sukardi said.
In the long term, Sukardi added, another 10 Indonesian markets will be opened in 10 big cities in China.
"Indonesian business firms hope the Indonesia Streets will make it easier to attract Chinese customers and penetrate the market," Sukardi said.
He said the Indonesia Street market, sponsored by Indonesian businesses and supported by the Indonesian and Chinese governments, would be a permanent feature so that people could visit whenever they want.
"We decided to open a market in Shanghai because it is a developed city with good infrastructure... and very strategic for business.
"Shanghai is not too far from Indonesia and there is a growing furniture production and retailing industry in the surrounding area, so we can promote our products there," Sukardi said.
Projecting Indonesian artifacts and lifestyle, the market is also aimed at promoting Indonesian culture to the Chinese people.
"Indonesia Street will provide all things Indonesian.
"We aim to promote Indonesian culture as well as products and support the growth of Indonesian exports," Sukardi said.
According to the Central Statistic Agency, Indonesia recorded an increase of 33 percent in total trade with China, from U$$10.97 billion in 2006 to $14.62 billion in 2007.
Non-oil and gas exports to China increased by 22 percent last year, from some $5.47 billion in 2006 to some $6.66 billion. Non-oil and gas imports from China increased by 45 percent, from $5.5 billion to $7.9 billion.
