REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian entrepreneurs will explore market opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe to expand their business in the region.
"The enthusiasm of businessmen could be seen at the question and answer session on business opportunities in Central and Eastern European markets, especially Russia, Hungary, and Serbia," Acting Director of Central and Eastern Europe Ibnu Hadi said here on Friday.
He noted that to follow it up, a Joint Commission Meeting between Indonesia and Russia will be held in Kazan, Russia, on April 7-9, 2015.
According to him, the Central and Eastern European region (ETT) comprises 22 countries offering many opportunities to entrepreneurs from other countries.
However, there are still many Indonesian businessmen who do not completely understand business in the Central and Eastern European region.
"Many businessmen were present at the business dialogue, "Market Promotion of Central and Eastern Europe," which was organized by the Directorate of Central and Eastern Europe of the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta on January 29.
Some 27 participants from 22 companies engaged in diverse businesses attended the event. They included PT. Indofood, PT. Mustika Ratu, PT.Gajah Tunggal, PT. Indoexim International, PT. Comexindo, PT.Tehnika Ina, PT. Sanbe Farma, PT. Kalbe Farma, and PT. Lautan Niaga Jaya.
"Business dialogues are essential for improving the cooperation between the private sector and the Ministry for the implementation of economic diplomacy. This meeting focused on the Central and Eastern European region," he explained.
So far, the ETT market has remained open to Indonesian export products. In 2013, the total value of trade between Indonesia and the ETT's countries was nearly US$ 6.5 billion, up 0.87% from 2012. During January-October 2014, the total value of Indonesia's trade with the ETT's countries amounted to US$ 4.42 billion.
He pointed out that Russia has become the main attraction in Eastern Europe with great market potential for products such as fish and seafood, furniture, coffee, spa, and cooperation in the field of transport.
Indonesian Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro Harry R.J. Kandou remarked that the socio-political conditions of Serbia and Montenegro provided large opportunities for entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
"Some of the Indonesian products that have great potential are coffee, sugar, handicraft products, and spa", he affirmed.
Former Indonesian Ambassador to Hungary Maruli Tua Sagala stated that Hungary has been one of the ideal destinations with great potential for trade and investments in Central Europe.
Although its population is only about 10 million, Hungary's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is more than US$ 18,000.
"Hungary enjoys good economic relations with Poland, Slovakia, and Czech and has a good transport system that can be used as a hub in the Central European region" he added.
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