Zim-Indonesia trade continues to grow

Indonesians exhibited at this edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
The week-long expo will run from October 15 to 21 and more than 8 000 buyers and exhibitors around the world are also expected to showcase their products.
Speaking to The Herald after a meeting with the business people on Tuesday, Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Eddy Poerwana said the increase of the number was encouraging.
“We are taking more than 25 Zimbabweans to Indonesia this year as compared to last year’s 15.
“We have received an offer from our Government to bring Zimbabweans who can buy Indonesian products.
“The idea is to link Zimbabwean business people with their Indonesian counterparts for them to form business synergies.
“The relationship has to be reciprocal to ensure mutual benefit for both countries,” he said.
Ambassador Poerwana said he would also work to ensure that Indonesian business people come to Zimbabwe for the United Nations World Tourism General Assembly to be held in Victoria Falls and Livingstone next year.
He said tourism was one of the fastest growing industries in the world.
Ambassador Poerwana said most Zimbabweans going to Indonesia this year were interested in various business sectors.
“Most of them specialise in textiles, medicine, processed food and furniture among other sectors,” he said.
Ambassador Poerwana said there where already some Zimbabweans participating at the World Tobacco Asia 2012 Expo currently underway in Jakarta.
The World Tobacco Asia 2012 Expo where the Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe is participating started last Wednesday.
Indonesia has the world’s fastest-developing cigarette market and 30 percent of the estimated 248 million adult population smokes, which makes Indonesia the fifth largest cigarette market in the world.
Indonesia is also a recognised tobacco friendly market with no smoking bans or other restrictions and regulations in contrast to other countries in the Far East.
Another business delegation from Zambia is also expected take part at the Jakarta International Expo.