Indonesia invites Bangladeshi businesses to join Trade Expo 2025 in Jakarta

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Dhaka yesterday (25 September) hosted a business gathering to promote the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025, set to take place in Jakarta from 15–19 October.

The event, held at a city hotel in the capital, brought together Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, trade leaders, and embassy officials with the aim of boosting bilateral business ties.

The Trade Expo Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia's largest B2B exhibitions, is hosted annually by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, according to a press release.

The 2025 edition will feature sectors ranging from food and beverages, agriculture, and manufacturing to fashion, textiles, and lifestyle products. Last year, the expo attracted thousands of international buyers, with food, manufactured goods, and fashion drawing the most interest.

This year's expo, themed "Discover Indonesia's Excellence: Trade Beyond Boundaries", will showcase Indonesian products and services, including textiles and garments, processed food, furniture, halal goods, automotive components, digital innovations, and investment opportunities.

Speaking at the event, acting Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Arif Suyoko highlighted the growing importance of Bangladesh as one of Indonesia's most trusted partners in South Asia.

"Each year, at least 20 Bangladeshi businesses and representatives travel to Indonesia to explore opportunities, connect with Indonesian partners, and secure tangible business deals. The embassy remains fully committed to supporting your aspirations in Indonesia," he said.

Robbi Firly Harkha, third secretary of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka, detailed the expo's offerings.

"It attracts thousands of international buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with the most demanding sectors being food and beverage, manufactured products, and fashion and lifestyle. Beyond exhibitions, the event will include business matchmaking sessions, MoU signings, trade missions, and opportunities to engage with high-level government officials," he said.

Bangladeshi business leaders welcomed Indonesia's efforts to expand cooperation in sectors such as textiles, leather, food, and manufacturing services.

They noted that with Bangladesh aiming to diversify export destinations beyond traditional Western markets, opportunities in Southeast Asia—particularly in Indonesia's growing consumer economy—are promising.

However, several participants voiced concern over travel restrictions. Businessmen highlighted the suspension of Indonesia's visa-on-arrival facility for Bangladeshi nationals after the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it complicates travel for investors and buyers.

"Trade fairs and expos work best when travel is hassle-free. Visa restrictions slow down our ability to connect with Indonesian partners," said one garment exporter.

Responding to the concerns, embassy officials assured that the matter has been raised with Jakarta. "We are aware of the concerns and will continue to communicate them to our government. The embassy will facilitate visa processes to the best of its capacity, especially for those confirmed to attend the Expo," said Suyoko.

Indonesia and Bangladesh, both members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have shared decades of diplomatic and trade ties. Bilateral trade reached over $2 billion in recent years, driven mainly by Indonesian exports of coal, palm oil, and paper, and Bangladeshi exports of textiles and jute products.