EIGHT COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN INT'L KITE FESTIVAL IN SE SULAWESI

Raha, SE Sulawesi, Indonesia, Aug 11 (ANTARA) - Eight countries, namely, France, Germany, China, Malaysia, Japan, Sweden, India and Taiwan are participating in an international kite festival which was opened here on Tuesday.

In addition, representatives of 13 provinces in the country also
participated in the event which was kicked off by South East Sulawesi Vice Governor HM Saleh Lasatta.

"This international kite festival can strengthen relations among many countries," Lasatta said in his opening remarks.

The participation of several countries in the event proved that there had been good communication among participating countries in the annual international festival since it was started in 2007, he said.
"Therefore, the festival is also expected to create an economic added value for Muna district's community, aside from promoting the region's tourist spots," the vice governor said.

South East Sulawesi province has a number of tourist objects such as the Liang Kabori, Lake Napabale and horse fighting, Lasatta said, adding the province now also wanted to promote several historical objects.

Meanwhile, the promotion and marketing affairs director general of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Syamsul Lussa, said the international kite festival had become a communication medium among many countries and regions. ***2***