RI EXPECTING FOREX EARNING FROM ADB MEETING IN BALI

Jakarta, April 22 (ANTARA) - Indonesia expects to earn US$7.5 million in foreign exchange from the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Bali on May 2-5, a minister said.

"Around US$7.5 million in foreign exchange is expected to come from around 2,500 foreign participants through their spendings," acting Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sri Mulyani said after reporting preparations for the meeting to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here on Wednesday.

She said the 42nd annual ADB meeting was scheduled to be attended by ADB governors, representatives from international non-governmental organizations, banking institutions, observers and investors.

The ADB which is the world's second largest financial institution after the World Bank has 67 member countries.

"This will be the second time for Indonesia to host such a meeting," Mulyani said.

She said the event would have a positive impact on Indonesia's image as it would show Indonesia to be in stable conditions and able to host an internatinal event and contribute to efforts to help the world economy recover from the crisis.

"Certainly there will also be tourism promotions during the event and then more tourists will come," she said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the meeting on May 4.

"President Yudhoyono and president of the ADB would also sign an ADB annual meeting series stamp," she said.

Mulyani said President Yudhoyono had given directives to ensure the meticulous preparation of the meeting "so that the international community's confidence in and perception of Indonesia is maintained."
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