THE silver work, wooden carvings, engravings, colourful batiks, hand-woven cloths and glassware on display at the Indonesian Promotion Centre in Causeway Bay reflect the craftsmanship and creativity of the country's artisans. The centre helps to raise the profile of Indonesian products and brings exporters into contact with Hong Kong's business community. Now there are plans to broaden the centre's role. ''We are considering the possibility of holding exhibitions by Indonesian companies at the promotion centre. It will not cost them anything,'' said Ibnu Hadi, vice-consul for economic affairs at the Indonesian Consulate. As an exhibition venue, the promotion centre is easy to reach. It is located in a prominent retail and commercial district, and it is not far from the territory's premier conference venue, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. ''We hope to contact Indonesian exporters who are interested in looking for some exposure in Hong Kong,'' Mr Hadi said. ''We can organise product displays for a week or two for individual companies from Indonesia.'' He said one advantage of displaying products at the centre was that Indonesian companies would not have to worry about paying high fees to book space. Also, they would not have to face competition from other exporters. He said at big exhibitions there was always intense rivalry from other companies sharing the venue. Products now on show at the promotion centre give an idea of the quality and the craftsmanship available from Indonesian manufacturers. Wooden products range from doors and furniture, to flooring and chopsticks. There is silver jewellery, plastic household utensils, shoes, soft toys, spices, tea, coffee and even canned food. Mr Hadi said: ''There are three main product categories at the centre. We have manufacturing products, agricultural produce and consumer items.'' The centre, which is non-profit-making and next to the consulate, also helps to promote investment in Indonesia and publicises the country's tourist industry. There is an extensive range of brochures on display relating to tourist attractions the length and breadth of Indonesia. Racks hold maps and information leaflets published by the Directorate General of Tourism, giving information on accommodation, airlines, souvenir shops and restaurants. Mr Hadi said the centre's staff usually made contact with Indonesian entrepreneurs who regularly became involved in Hong Kong's trade expositions and then kept them informed about the availability of product display space in Causeway Bay. Managed by the consulate, the centre liaises with provincial governments in Indonesia, relevant government ministries, trade-related organisations and chambers of commerce to generate publicity and maximum exposure for manufacturers and exporters in Hong Kong. Groups displaying their products at the centre provide full details of their operations. In all the showcases, manufacturers' addresses, product lines and contact numbers are displayed alongside the samples. Mr Hadi said it provided a useful service to potential customers. ''We ask them to provide price quotations, samples, company profiles and contact numbers,'' Mr Hadi said. At the centre, businessmen can also get information on trade exhibitions held in Indonesia, such as the annual Resource Indonesia - National Merchandise and Commodity Show, which is based in Jakarta.
