Handicraft industry should adjust to market trends: VP

Jakarta-wapresri.go.id. In the global market, handicraft products should be developed as products with more economic values, not merely as ornaments, which could increase the income of the people, particularly the craftsmen. Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this as he delivered his remarks in the opening ceremony of the 18^th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft) Exhibition 2016 held at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Wednesday (April, 20).

“That is why handicraft industries should not only produce handicrafts based on their own taste. They must read the market trends,” he said.

The Vice President also believed that Inacraft is contributive to turn handicrafts, which used to be cultural products, to be economic products.

To face competition in the world market, he added, handicraft industries should pay more attention on quality, price, and delivery time.

“All of these three elements must be met if you want to win in the market competition,” he said.

After opening the event, the Vice President who was accompanied by his spouse Mrs Mufidah Jusuf Kalla observes some booths of 1,400 handicraft industries from 34 provinces in Indonesia at the exhibition.

With the theme “the Splendour of Minangkabau”, this year exhibition is intended to promote the rich cultural heritage of West Sumatra.

Also attending the opening ceremony were Industry Minister Saleh Husin, Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno, and some ambassadors.