The strengthened bilateral ties between Fiji and Indonesia will enable co-ordination of exchange of programmes between Indonesian and Fijian women at the National Women’s Expo this week.

The three-day event starts today and ends on Friday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

The Indonesian Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Yohana Susana Yembise will be participating in this year’s National Women’s Expo.

Minister Yembise will be present at the official opening of the Expo today. She also opens the Indonesian tent that will display Indonesian products and also provide training opportunities during the three days.

Tomorrow, she will be the chief guest at the official opening of the Rural Women’s Fashion Designing Show from 6pm to 8pm at the Expo.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar says the visit by the Indonesian Minister is an opportunity to look at new areas of collaboration in terms of women empowerment.

A programme has been put together by the Ministry of Women for the Indonesian Minister to visit some of the major women’s projects in Fiji.

Meanwhile, Fijian Ambassador to Indonesia, Ratu Tui Cavuilati, says one of the key areas of collaboration will be the sharing of expertise for small and micro-enterprises (SME) sector development.

“Value adding skills will be provided to Fijian women, particularly in utilising local resources to produce Fijian Made products.   We congratulate Minister Akbar and her staff for organising the women’s expo. It’s a great platform to enhance learning and capacity building opportunities for women.

“This would mean upskilling of women entrepreneurs so they are able make export-oriented products,” Ratu Tui said.

Fiji and Indonesia signed a joint statement in May that confirms the continuation of the bilateral partnership for the next three years. Fiji is expected to also host the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group in Suva next year.

Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation

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