Indonesia Expo 2023 in Manila Opens Up Trade Cooperation Opportunities

Thepresidentpost.id - Indonesia Expo 2023 was officially opened by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Agus Widjojo, on August 18th, 2023. The expo themed “Sustainable Trade for the Philippines - Indonesia Economic Resilience" will be held from August 18th to 21st, 2023 at Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia. This expo was part of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations held by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila (18/8).

Over 40 booths were exhibited by SMEs, private companies, Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises, and the West Java Provincial Government, supported by the Indonesian Trade Ministry and SM Mall of Asia. In his speech, Ambassador Agus Widjojo expressed the expo's purpose was to introduce Indonesian products to the Philippines market. “Indonesia has a rich culture and a developing economy, and we trust that our products have great potential to be offered to the Philippines consumers," said Ambassador Agus.

Furthermore, the expo is also strong proof of the strong partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as important steps to strengthen bilateral trade relations. Through this expo, sustainable trade cooperation between both countries can hopefully be advanced.

Indonesia Expo 2023 exhibited various Indonesian flagship products in many sectors, including vehicle spare parts, health and beauty, e-scooters, fashion, herbal medicines, furniture, household goods, defence industry, coffee, agricultural equipment, food, and beverages. Alongside those products, the best Indonesian services in tourism, construction, and engineering fields were also promoted at this expo. The West Java Provincial Government also participated by exhibiting their flagship products, such as shoes, coffee, fashion, and cultural art.

Indonesia Expo 2023 opened with the beating of Gamelan Kenong by VIP guests. The opening ceremony was enlivened by Indonesian cultural performances, such as the Genjring Party Dance from West Java Provincial Government Arts Team and the Zapin Al-Dunya Dance by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila's staff and interns. As a form of concern, a donation of 300 boxes of Paseo MediShield Hand Sanitizing Tissue was handed over by Asia Pulp and Paper Sinar Mas to the Pasay City representatives, which will be distributed to health centres in the area.

Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises' participation in this expo also became the highlight, with several Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises active in the Philippines, such as PT. ADHI KARYA, PT. PP, PT. PAL, PT. PLN Nusantara Power, and PT. Dirgantara Indonesia. Their participation is proof of their contribution to the infrastructure and defence sectors in the Philippines.

The Indonesia Expo 2023 opening ceremony was attended by various important figures, including the Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States, Timor Leste Deputy Chief of Mission in the Philippines, the Philippine Department of Commerce representatives, representative of the Mayor of Pasay City, and various representatives of exhibitors. This expo is expected to strengthen economic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines as well as bring a positive impact to both countries.