WA further cements its ties with Indonesia

30/9/96

There will be a new flavour to the Perth Royal Show this year as Western Australia further cements its ties with Indonesia.

For the first time, the Royal Show will incorporate an East Java Trade Expo with more than 50 Indonesian business people displaying their products and industries.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said he was delighted that such a wide cross-section of East Java's small businesses and industries were being promoted in WA.

"It is testament to the continuing strong relationship between Indonesia and WA that so many Indonesian businesses are keen to explore the market in this State," Mr Cowan said.

"Exhibits will include clothing and footwear, traditional batik, cookware, souvenirs, wood craft, plastics, canned juices and fruits, coffee and a tourism display.

"The East Java province is keen to prove that it is an effective supplier of goods which are presently imported into WA from China, Korea and Thailand.

"Many of the business people are enthusiastic about developing joint ventures or partnerships with WA companies."

The expo is headed by the Vice Governor of East Java, Drs Soeprapto. It has been organised by the East Java Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Government of East Java and the Indonesian Consulate in Perth.

It will be located at 5 Gorrie Avenue, near the Arts and Crafts Pavilion.

The Australian Indonesian Business Council and the Consulate have organised two trade seminars to coincide with the expo.

Links between WA and Indonesia have grown rapidly since the State Government signed an agreement establishing a Sister State/Province relationship with East Java in August, 1990.

The centrepiece of this relationship is an exchange program which provides for the formal exchange of expertise and reciprocal visits between the two countries.

Mr Cowan and Drs Soeprapto will each sign the 1996-97 exchange program, which will include an urban development and planning component for the first time.

The program also provides for exchanges in agriculture, fisheries, education, environment, health services, transport, mining, journalism and wastewater treatment and disposal.

Media contact: Amanda O'Brien 222 9595