Trade Minister Extends Visit in Europe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel extends his visit to Europe for settling Indonesia’s pavilion in the World Expo Milan.

“I will make sure where the problem lays,” Rachmat told Wahyu Muryadi from Tempo in Warsawa, Poland, on Monday, May 4.  Rachmat was supposed to return to Indonesia on Monday after a business meeting between Indonesian and Polish entrepreneurs.

Indonesia's participation in the exhibition which lasted six months is not a government project, Rachmat said.  This project was initiated from private Pelestari Cooperative Culture Collection headed by Didi Petet.  “No state funds involved for this activity,” he said.

Rachmat expressed support for the efforts of private sectors in bringing the nation’s name. Companies that became donors to Milan Expo include Sinar Mas, Astra and Indofood, that have brought their products including palm oil to be promoted.

Rachmat also mentioned the delay of six containers for the Expo that were detained by the local customs.  “I have checked and return back to Milan to ensure that everything goes well,” he said.

World Expo Milan opened Friday, May 1, at 4pm local time, started with a pitcher-breaking ceremony by Indonesian ambassador for Italy, August Parengkuan.  Rachmat and Indonesian ambassador for Poland Peter F. Gontha and Indonesian ambassador for Denmark Bomer Pasaribu and some entrepreneurs attended as guests.

PINGIT ARIA