NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 28-Indonesia Embassy in Kenya is set to hold its first ever expo in Nairobi (IndoNEX2023) next month as it looks to tap into the Kenyan market.
The trade, education and cultural exhibition slated for May 13, will be held at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi and will showcase a range of Indonesian export products, education, and culture.
Rendra Kusumawardana, Economic Affairs Secretary at the Indonesia Embassy in Nairobi said that Southeast Asia and Oceania nation has been dependent on Crude Palm Oil (CPO) but its value dropped significantly following the coronavirus outbreak.
He pointed out that as a result, trade between Indonesia and Kenya fell from USD 540 million in 2021 to USD 501 million in 2022 noting that the expo aims to help them diversify their trade from CPO.
“This is the first ever expo we are having in Nairobi, and it comes from the increased interest from Indonesian business people to start and open businesses in Kenya,” Kusumawardana stated.
He pointed out that the biggest challenge for them is that most potential business people have a distorted image of Africa noting that the expo provides them with an opportunity to visit the country and see for themselves the available opportunities.
While commenting on why some businesses find it difficult to set base in African countries, Kusumawardana singled out high import tax as a huge challenge for businesses looking to invest in the country.
To address, this challenge, Kusumawardana stated that Indonesia is pushing for the Preferential Trade Arrangements(PTAs)between Kenya and Indonesia, which he says will resolve some of the current challenges.
Kusumawardana stated that they will collaborate with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Sasa, a leading food and seasoning company of Indonesia in the expo that that will feature 10 companies from Indonesia.
“The Expo will feature a variety of exhibitors, from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) up to major exporters of the food and beverage industry, herbal medicine, packaging industry, and logistics from Indonesia,” he said.
He added that IndoNEX 2023 also aims to promote Indonesian exports and offer Kenyan students’ and youths’ opportunities to pursue higher education in Indonesia while fostering cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and people-to-people contact between the two countries.
The companies include; Sasa Inti (food and seasoning), Salim Wazaran Kenya Co. Ltd. (Indomie Kenya), Sido Muncul Tbk (modern herbal medicine), Evogaia Karya Nusantara (bio-degradable packaging), Indo Jaya Tobacco (tobacco), April Logistics Indonesia (shipping and logistics), Indesso Tanzania Ltd. (organic pesticide), Bersama Olah Boga (food and seasoning), Indospirit Natura (healthy food and beverages) and ABC President Indonesia (food and beverages).
“We are hoping that this new companies we are bringing will inspire Kenyan businesses and inspire them to expand their business in Africa, especially in Kenya,” he said.
He pointed out that Kenya is strategically positioned in Africa with huge business potential.
During the event, principals, educators, academic staff, and prospective students will also have the opportunity to interact directly and virtually with representatives of leading Indonesian higher education institutions.
The institutions include the Indonesian Islamic University (UII) from Yogyakarta, Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB University), and Padjadjaran University from Bandung (UNPAD).
The IndoNEX 2023 will offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including trade seminars, education fair and seminar, cultural workshops, Indonesian cultural performances, including traditional dance and the Indonesian Pencak Silat martial arts and self-defense, and more.
