Birmingham (Antara Bali) - A group of nine small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) from Indonesia are taking part in a four-day Autumn Fair ending here on Sept 9.
The entrepreneurs include wood craftsmen, batik makers, fan makers, house ware producers and fashion designers.
Deputy minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Emilia Suhaemi said it was the first time Indonesian SMEs taking part in a trade fair in Britain aimed at expanding export market in Europe.
Emilia said Britain is a potential market for the products of small industries .
The participation of the group of SMEs in the Birmingham Autumn Fair would open an opportunity for Indonesian small industrialists to increase exports to Europe especially Britain, she said here on Sunday.
In addition, the small industrialists could study the market strength and competition in the European market to maintain the competitiveness of their products.
Before taking part in the Fair, the entrepreneurs went through process of selection to ensure that their products are competitive in quality and guarantee continuity of supply.
Emilia said it is important that copyright and brand of industrial products are protected to meet global competition.
Indonesian Ambassador to Britain and Ireland T M Hamzah Thayeb was present at the opening of the Fair and talked with the Indonesian participants.
"I am glad that Indonesian business people take part in the Fair to promote the products of small industries," Hamzah said.
He said the role of small and medium scale industries should be expanded in boosting the country's exports.
Meanwhile Novita Yunus from Batik Chic said the participation of Batik Chic in the Autumn Fair will give it an opportunity to study the market in Britain and Western Europe in general.
"It is a valuable opportunity to take part in the Fair," she said.
She said the industrialists could not only to make direct interaction with with buyers , but they could also study the market trend and appetite.
"A lot of things could be learned from discussions and seminars to be held related to products and market of the products of small industries," she added.
The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs facilitated the participation of the nine small industrialists from various areas to promoted Indonesian products of small and cottage industries of the Oesing Craf , Bali Bagus Homeware, Kipas Srikandi, and fashion and batik products of Batik Chic, Batik Kunto, Batik Pakidulan, Batik Sekar Putri, Oli Batik and Batik Kleuren.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Trade Attache in London facilitated the participation of small craftsmen. (WDY)
