The Training Programme “Creative Industry, Economic Recovery, Fashion, Craft, Indonesian Presidency, G20” was held from 20th September to 30th September 2022 at Bali, Indonesia in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and The Colombo Plan. The Implementing Agency. Directorate General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. A total of 19 government officials from ten Colombo Plan member countries from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka took part in this training programme.
HE Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes delivered following opening remarks at the Inauguration ceremony on 20th September 2022
I take this opportunity to convey my gratitude and sincere thanks to the Government of Indonesia, especially the Director General for the Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry, under the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia for organizing this timely initiative. As you all know, most of our respective economies suffered due to the pandemic and this is the most opportune time to start the recovery process.
As most countries represented in this activity are members of Colombo Plan, I am sure you are familiar with our unique organization which was established in 1951. The Colombo Plan with its history of 71 years, is one of the oldest regional intergovernmental organizations. It was conceived to enhance economic and social development of the countries in the region which were mostly devastated by World War II. Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom were the founding countries, but now, it has expanded to 28 member countries including non-Commonwealth countries and countries belonging to regional groupings such as South-East Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Most of the partnership initiatives that we do, follow the concept of self-help and mutual help in achieving development with focus on human resource capacity-enhancement and south-south cooperation. Which brings us to why we are all here.
As you all know, this knowledge -sharing program on enhancing Small to Medium Industry has had six batches already, with the first ever training activity held in October 2016. We offered the training programmes that were planned in the year 2020 and 2021 on-line virtually because of COVID. But now that the restrictions have been more relaxed, and after a two-year break from face-to-face engagements, the Government of Indonesia has graciously organized this training programme in Bali. Since 2016, Indonesia has been providing these training programmes that have benefited 380 participants from Colombo Plan member governments. I was informed that in this training, we have nineteen participants representing ten member countries of the Colombo Plan.
The program aims to highlight the success stories of creative industries and on how they contribute to the economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also aligned with the new Indonesian G20 Presidency in 2022, which highlights economic recovery as one of the priorities of the government. In the coming days ahead, the program will help participants to be more aware of policies and strategies in promoting SMIs especially the creative industry sub-sector and how competitiveness in the global market can be enhanced.”
I urge all participants to make maximum use of this training program, so that you too could be contributing to the efforts of your own country's SMI initiatives.
On behalf of the member countries and the Colombo Plan Secretariat allow me to reiterate my deep appreciation and gratitude, to the Government of Indonesia and our implementing partner, the Directorate General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry. Likewise let's thank all the staff members involved in this activity, for your hard work, support, collaboration, and efficient implementation of the program.
I wish you all success in the program. Enjoy the activities ahead!
Thank you!