IMF-WB meetings to expose SME potential: Bekraf

Nusa Dua (Antaranews Bali) - The Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) said, the Indonesia Pavilion held on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Nusa Dua, Bali, would expose the potentials of micro, small and medium scale enterprises engaged in creative industry.

"It will promote Indonesia which has not only natural resources but also non-natural resources such as creative industry, which will impress the delegates," Bekraf chairman Triawan Munaf said here on Tuesday.

Indonesia Pavilion is held on October 8-14 as a side event of the IMF-WB annual meetings.

To be attended by some 34 thousand participants, the event is expected to bring a significant impact to the promotion of the country`s creative industry exhibited in the pavilion.

In addition, the SMEs would get a wider access to capital fund, markets, as well as investment, as many of the delegates to the meetings are businessmen.

"The strength of the Indonesian economy is determined by the SMEs, creative workers, and craftsmen. They are more stable and varied and that, the state must support them," he added.

Indonesia Pavilion showcased the success of development in Indonesia, particularly the development of creative industry.

As many as 150 SMEs from 64 districts across the country are involved to expose their products.

Some of the craftsmen perform live demo on the making of batik, woven fabric, bags, bamboo fan, masks, flute, and other handicrafts that would attract the IMF-WB delegates.

A survey conducted by Bekraf and the Central Agency of Statistic (BPS) showed that creative economy has contributed Rp852.2 trillion to the country`s economy in 2015, up 4.38 percent compared to 2014 when it was recorded at Rp784.8 trillion.

The highest contribution was recorded by the culinary sector at 41 percent, followed by fashion and skills at 18 percent and 15 percent respectively.

While for export, the highest contribution was recorded by fashion sector of 56 percent, skills (37 percent) and culinary sector (6 percent). (WDY)