Vice President Opens 24th Gaikindo International Auto Show

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla, on Thursday, officially inaugurated the 24th Gaikindo International Auto Show at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in BSD City being held on August 11-21, 2016.

"I would like to laud this exhibition and express hope that the event is not intended to increase consumption but would help to boost the economy and technology," Kalla noted in his speech here on Thursday.

The vice president remarked that the automotive industry had become a driver of growth in several developed countries as the sector had upstream and downstream functions.

"There are multiple players in this industry. If its upstream industry is developing, its supporting or downstream industry is also growing. The supporting industry comprises dealers, workshops, spare parts manufacturers, and others," the vice president stated.

With regard to growth in the automotive industry today, the vice president was optimistic that the ownership of cars and houses would also become a benchmark of welfare in Indonesia.

The vice president also highlighted the theme of the exhibition that is green technology for a better future. The theme was considered sensitive to the demands of the times.

"Today, the world demands a car that not only has sophisticated technology and design but is also environment-friendly," he affirmed.

Therefore, the vice president has urged Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto to assess environmentally friendly cars that could be part of the industry and the superiority of Indonesian exports.

"The government should follow the developments in technology," he affirmed.

The event was also attended Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartanto, Banten Governor Rano Karno, and the ambassadors of friendly countries.

As many as 361 participants are showcasing 31 brands of cars, comprising 25 transport vehicles and six commercial vehicles at the exhibition. (WDY)