Jewelry Has Big Opportunities in Japan

Tokyo (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Muhammad Lutfi said Indonesian jewelries had big opportunities in the Japanese market, asking Indonesian jewelry designers and handicraft businesses to open new market in Japan.

The ambassador made the remarks after the opening of the International Jewelry Tokyo (IJT) 2013 which was held Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, on Wednesday.

The IJT 2013 which is a big jewelry exhibition in the world, will last from January 23 to 26. A total of 1,050 participants from 30 countries are taking part in the ornament expo. It has been held since in the past 24 years.

The ambassador said that Japan was one of the world's jewelery market. Indonesia could explore jewelry world market by having its handicraftsmen and designers take part in the exhibition. By taking part in it, Indonesia's jewelries are expected to increase their competitiveness.

He said that in 2011, only six handicraft businessmen took part but this year a dozen had been taking part. "We hope next year the number will increase further," the ambassador added.

The Indonesian envoy said that Indonesia's jewelries had enough competitive edge. Indonesia's traditional market so far is Europe but due to the global economic crisis in Europe, Indonesia needed to look to Japan. (*/DWA/T007)