ITTP 2023: Trade, Tourism And Enticing Tastes From Indonesia

Resuming after a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 14th Indonesian Trade and Tourism Promotion (ITTP 2023) has made a triumphant return to Phnom Penh, pledging to “Strengthen Cooperation through Collaboration”.

The event heralds a refreshing comeback, promising to build a resilient and robust network that expands across multiple sectors.

Hosted annually by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, the ITTP aims to bolster bilateral ties that transcend governmental levels, reaching out to the people.

A symbol of cooperation, the event represents a shared vision for a future of robust interaction and growth.

“We first launched this initiative in 2006, but the pandemic from 2020 to 2022 forced us to put it on hold.

“This year, our goal is to showcase more of what Indonesia has to offer to Cambodia in terms of products, tourism, and higher education,” said Lauti Nia Astri, the acting head of mission at the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh.

Set to take place at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, ITTP 2023 will spring to life with an array of activities from August 4-6.

From trade to tourism, education opportunities to arts, culture, and gastronomy, the event aims to unravel Indonesia’s diverse potentials.

Not just a platform for product exhibition and tourism promotion, ITTP 2023 aspires to encapsulate the vibrant cultural heritage and economic potential of Indonesia.

“While several Indonesian products already enjoy popularity among the Cambodian people, the event will also introduce new offerings from Indonesia, forging connections between Cambodian importers and consumers,” Nia Astri added.

ITTP 2023 boasts the participation of 17 Indonesian companies, including two state-owned enterprises, along with 15 Indonesian product importers or distributors based in Cambodia.

One of the state-owned enterprises featured is the Biofarma Group, a prominent player in the health sector known for its vaccine production, including lipid and diphtheria vaccines, Nia Astri noted.

The event also opens a gateway to the tourism sectors of Indonesia and Cambodia, with the involvement of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

“They will be accompanied by some Indonesian tour operators,” confirmed Nia Astri.

ITTP 2023 further facilitates business matching, supported by a 10 per cent government-individual foreign direct investment (FDI).

This investment scheme encourages stakeholder enterprises operating in Cambodia to introduce new Indonesian products to the market.

Another exciting aspect of the event is the participation of two eminent Indonesian universities – the Bandung Institute of Technology and the Bina Nusantara University in Jakarta.

Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia and the provincial government of West Sumatra will also grace the event.

“Students and prospective students will be invited during the talk show.

“We will also have a booth there, in association with the regional government of West Sumatra,” said Nia Astri.

The event marks the inauguration of direct flights between Jakarta and Phnom Penh by Indonesia AirAsia.

In the spirit of celebration, two fortunate attendees will be awarded the grand prize of two return tickets from Phnom Penh to Jakarta.

ITTP 2023 goes beyond the realms of trade and tourism, also serving as a vehicle for expanding educational opportunities. This year, the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh has granted scholarships to 19 Cambodian students.

The scholarships, part of the Developing Countries Partnership, the Darma Si Swa programme, and Padang State University schemes, are truly a passport to progress. Embarking on an academic journey, these fortunate scholars will be heading to Indonesia.

There, across its illustrious universities, they will delve into an array of subjects, pursuing academic tracks from non-degree courses all the way up to doctoral studies.

“We will host an educational talk show. We will highlight two Indonesian universities known for their strong STEM programmes, as it’s a current priority in community education,” Nia Astri confirmed.

ITTP 2023 boasts an array of activities, offering visitors unique cultural experiences and delectable Indonesian cuisine.

On August 4, the event begins with “Experience Indonesia”, which encourages children to explore Indonesian culture via hands-on angklung performances.

The angklung is a traditional Sundanese instrument made of bamboo tubes.

“Indonesian and Cambodian children can play the angklung together and learn more about Indonesia,” said Nia Astri.

There will also be opportunities for kids to explore study opportunities in Indonesia.

The “Talk Show: Study Opportunity in Indonesia” will shed light on Indonesian government-funded scholarships, with presentations from universities, known for their design and STEM subjects.

As the event unfolds, “Enchanting Indonesia” will capture centre stage.

This visual spectacle features traditional costume parades and batik and tenun fashion shows that celebrate Indonesia’s rich textile heritage.

The UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage of batik holds enormous significance in the country’s identity.

On August 5, the “Wonderful Indonesia Networking Event” is set to facilitate connections between the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesian travel agents, Indonesia AirAsia, and Cambodian travel agents.

“Participants can join in the fun with an eating competition, wolfing down the famous‘Indomie’ Indonesian instant noodle as quickly as possible,” the schedule shows.

A cooking contest will also see Indonesian and Cambodian talents adding a Khmer twist to the spicy Indonesian noodle dish mie bon cabe.

A vibrant Indonesian dance night with traditional dangdut folk music and electronic beats is set to animate the evening, courtesy of the Indonesian Cultural Centre in Phnom Penh, multilingual Indonesian singer Intan Andriana and friends, and Cambodian DJ Dory Daa.

On August 6, a karaoke competition will test Cambodian participants’ proficiency in the Indonesian language, Bahasa Indonesia. The D’Castello Band’s live performance will entertain the audience.

The event will wrap up with a thrilling closing ceremony, where performances by the Indonesian Cultural Centre in Phnom Penh will accompany the much-anticipated grand prize announcement.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees can sample culinary delights at the Indonesian food bazaar, featuring a variety of tasty Indonesian dishes from renowned restaurants at reasonable prices.

ITTP 2023 represents a bridge for cultural understanding and collaboration, fostering the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, where Indonesia and Cambodia unite to celebrate their shared diversity and deepen their bonds.

For more information, visit bit.ly/ITTP2023.

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