JAKARTA, (DNA) – Indonesian and Italian businesspeople signed trade contracts worth US$41.6 million during the 2018 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI 2018) from Oct. 24 to 28 at the Indonesian Convention Expo (ICE) hall in Tangerang, Banten.

Indonesian deputy chief representative for Italy JS George Lantu said at least 25 Italian businesspeople, partners of the Indonesian trade attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Milan, attended the TEI 2018.

“They mostly run businesses in paper, furniture, handicrafts, textiles, food and beverages, lubricates and diesel fuel. There were also organizers of F2 and wind farm investors,” George said in Jakarta on Monday as reported by kompas.com, adding that only 11 Italian businesspeople had attended last year’s TEI.

Meanwhile, the trade attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, Sumber Sinabutar, said the $41.6 million worth of trade contracts involved three Italian paper and furniture companies.

The three are Nadina Srl, which partners with PT Kunindo Pratama Jaya, Asia Palmi Snc, which partners with Sentana Art Wood, and Italia Srl, which partners with Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper, Sumber said, adding that Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita witnessed the signing of the contracts.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Esti Andayani called on Indonesian businesspeople to take advantage of the lucrative Italian market and business opportunities there.

“Indonesia could penetrate the Italian market through better quality, creative design, attractive packaging and environmentally friendly products,” she said.