Ende, Flores, NTT, March 10, 2004. Swisscontact today announced its collaboration with the International Finance Corporation-managed Program for Eastern Indonesia SME Assistance to develop several key economic sectors in the region at the launch of its new program in NTT. The target areas for collaboration will be in the agribusiness sub-sectors of seaweed, coffee, cashew nuts and possibly livestock farming.
Swisscontact selected the location because it holds a high potential for sustainable economic growth. The private sector is eager to receive technical assistance and the local government is receptive to a more commercially-oriented small and medium enterprise development strategy.
"There is a huge demand for capacity building assistance in agribusiness, farming and fishery sectors,” said Swisscontact’s Indonesia Resident Representative Peter Bissegger, “It is supported by a willingness learn more about the application of good governance in the public sector and in the areas of social development, such as health and education,” Mr. Bissegger added.
Activities that will be conducted by Swisscontact include developing business development services for micro entrepreneurs and farmer groups through trade activities; disseminating information on market technology, transaction and investment; and linking services to commercial finance and micro lending. IFC-PENSA will undertake sector surveys to gauge agribusiness potential and identify where IFC-PENSA can technically support those sectors.
“IFC-PENSA’s contribution to this partnership allows us to put the force of our local expertise and global experience to work in building and environment where small and medium enterprises can thrive. Working with Swisscontact will further our common goal of developing sustainable businesses in Indonesia, especially in the eastern region.,” said IFC-PENSA General Manager Chris Richards.
IFC-PENSA views sea plant or seaweed farming as an business area with high potential for development. Increased production and processing capacity at the village or community level will support growth Sea plant farming is being targeted because it could provide another economic livelihood for coastal communities. It is already established in the region (Roti and Sawu) and an could be developed on a commercial basis in other areas of NTT
The Swiss Contact program launch and office opening in Ende was officiated by the Swiss Ambassador, H.E. George Martin. Also participating were local government officials, including Regency Head of Ende Mr. Paulinus Domi, and small-medium enterprises from the area.
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Swisscontact, Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation is a politically and denominationally neutral organization founded in 1959 by personalities of the Swiss private business sector and universities. The overall goal of Swisscontact is to contribute directly and indirectly to the improvement of social and economic conditions in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern European countries. Strengthening the private sector and facilitating the generation of sustainable employment for both men and women is its prime objective.
PENSA, is one of the 10 IFC focused technical assistance facilities supporting small and medium enterprises. The PENSA facility has a five-year mandate and has been co-funded by IFC and the governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and The Netherlands, with initial funding commitments of $22 million.
For further info contact:
Nia Sarinastiti
Communication Officer
IFC-PENSA
Nsarinastiti@ifc.org
JSX Building Tower II, 13th fl.
Phone: +62-21-5299 3001 ext 4137
Jakarta 0816-979631, Denpasar 0812-3853433 | Yulia Witri
smepjkt@swisscontact.or.id
Swiss Contact
Jl. Wijaya XII No 44
Jakarta 12160, Indonesia
Phone + 62-21-739 40 41www.swisscontact.or.id | Josefina Linda linda@swisscontact.or.id
Swisscontact Branch office NTTJl. Dewi Sartita No. 6, Ende, Flores, NTT
Phone: 0381 24101 Fax: 0381 24103 |
