NTB seeks greater global exposure during Victoria's visit

Mataram (ANTARA) - Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Lalu Muhammad Iqbal expressed hope for stronger international exposure for the province as he accompanied Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden during her visit to Mataram, the provincial capital, on Saturday.

He said the Swedish royal’s visit was an honor for NTB and provided the province with a strategic opportunity to introduce its strengths and potential to the broader international community, especially the Swedish public.

Iqbal expressed hope that welcoming the heir apparent would help NTB in promoting its tourism and agricultural potential to Swedish citizens.

Visiting Indonesia as the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Crown Princess Victoria visited a craft and creative industry hub within the Hubbul Wathan Mosque Islamic Center Complex.

Alongside the governor and his deputy, the Crown Princess explored the site to see firsthand a variety of typical NTB products, purchasing woven fabrics and pearls while also observing processed food items and souvenirs.

She also spoke with small- and medium-sized industry operators from Sambik Elen Village, North Lombok District, who appreciated UNDP for the empowerment and training programs they enrolled in following the 2018 Lombok Island earthquake.

The royal visitor also asked questions and commended earthquake survivors for their recovery efforts with support from the regional government and UNDP.

Meanwhile, Head of the NTB Industry and Trade Office Lalu Wiranata confirmed that the Swedish Crown Princess purchased several items during the visit, including pearls and woven fabrics.

“She bought some items, but we have yet to calculate the value,” he remarked, adding that the Crown Princess was fascinated by the natural dyes used for the woven fabrics.

Crown Princess Victoria traveled to NTB after visiting Jakarta the day before. She is also scheduled to observe ongoing and planned projects during her two-day stay in NTB.

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Translator: Nur I, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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