Dear Exhibitors, Buyers and Visitors,

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you attending the International Spring Fair held from May 12-17, 2008 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

I hope that these six days of the fair will provide excellent opportunities for Central and Eastern European buyers to appreciate the wide range of high quality of Indonesian products.

Indonesian products are continuously adapted to meet the stringiest standards and demands of global economy. While offering a range of unique and remarkable of Indonesian products which reflect our rich resources, heritage and culture, we continue to innovate, particularly in design and quality, without loosing our price competitiveness.

Twenty eight companies will participate in the Expo offering a range of products, amongst other, jewelry, furniture, garment/batik/silk, leather goods, handicraft, home accessories, food as well as services to promote our tourism and investment sectors. We hope that this exhibition will enhance the awareness of the Expo visitors about the opportunities for doing business with Indonesia and increase trade flows between our nations.

Finally, I would also like to express my appreciations for the efforts of all the Indonesian Ministries; the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria; buyers and delegations, Indonesian exhibitors and sponsors involved in realizing Indonesia participation in the International Spring Fair in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

I am confident that these efforts will bring the existing and potential relations closer and result in expanding trade between Indonesia and Bulgaria as well as with other Central and Eastern European countries.

Jakarta, May 2009

H.E. MRS. MARI ELKA PANGESTU