41th, TEI 2026 opens in Indonesia, attracting global buyers, 70-member Pakistan’s business delegation

JAKARTA, Oct 14 (APP): The 41st edition of Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026 on opened in BSD City, Jakarta, bringing together Indonesian exporters, international buyers, investors and government representatives in a major effort to expand global trade partnerships and strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian products.

The five-day exhibition, running from October 14th to 18th, has set a transaction target of US$17.5 billion, underscoring Indonesia’s ambition to convert its growing export capacity into new commercial agreements, investment opportunities and wider access to international markets.

A Pakistani business delegation comprising more than 70 entrepreneurs and business representatives also participated in the exhibition. The delegation was led by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who joined the opening ceremony, reflecting growing interest in strengthening commercial engagement between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Indonesian Federal ministers highlight export expansion and economic transformation and representing President Prabowo Subianto at the opening ceremony, Coordinating Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia outlined Indonesia’s strategy to transform its natural resources into higher-value industrial products and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports.

Bahlil highlighted the government’s long-term downstreaming ambition, which targets US$618 billion in downstreaming-related output by 2040. He said Indonesia must develop stronger domestic processing industries to increase the value of its natural resources, create employment and improve its position in global supply chains.

Citing the nickel industry as an example, Bahlil noted that nickel-related export value had risen from approximately US$3.3 billion in 2017–2018 to around US$34 billion in 2023 and more than US$40 billion in 2025. The government has set a target of at least US$45 billion in nickel-related exports for 2026.

He also emphasized green industrialization, renewable energy and biofuel development, including the B50 biodiesel programme, as important elements of Indonesia’s industrial and energy strategy.

Bahlil stressed that expanding market access across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Eastern Europe would be essential to Indonesia’s efforts to increase exports and diversify trading partners.

Meanwhile Indonesian trade minister sets US$17.5 billion transaction target Fedrade Minister Budi Santoso announced the US$17.5 billion transaction target, positioning TEI as a strategic platform for connecting Indonesian producers with overseas buyers and investors.

According to figures presented at the exhibition, 16,885 prospective buyers had registered, including 8,092 international buyers from 134 countries. The event features 1,873 exhibitors and is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors.

Budi highlighted Indonesia’s positive export performance, reporting that exports reached US$193.64 billion during January–August 2026, up 4.74 per cent from US$184.89 billion during the same period in 2025. Indonesia also recorded a trade surplus of US$7.25 billion during the first eight months of the year.

He outlined three priorities for the Ministry of Trade: protecting the domestic market, expanding export destinations and advancing the “local to global” initiative to help Indonesian products compete internationally.

Indonesia currently has 25 trade agreements in implementation, while another 13 are under negotiation, according to the figures presented.

Budi also highlighted plans for 168 memorandums of understanding between Indonesian exporters and buyers from 22 countries, with a combined value of US$13.2 billion. The agreements were scheduled for signing on October 14.

Food Affairs Minister on the occasion Emphasized on food sector opportunities and coordinating minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan attended the opening ceremony alongside senior Indonesian government officials and international delegates.

His participation highlighted the importance of Indonesia’s food and agricultural sectors within the country’s broader trade and economic development agenda. TEI provides a platform for Indonesian food producers, agricultural businesses and exporters to showcase their products, establish international contacts and explore opportunities in overseas markets.

Food and beverages, agricultural commodities and other value-added products form part of the exhibition’s broad offering to international buyers.

Pakistan’s business community explores trade opportunities and the participation of more than 70 Pakistani entrepreneurs and business representatives was a notable element of the exhibition’s international engagement.

Led by the Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia and Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, the delegation’s participation reflects opportunities to deepen Pakistan–Indonesia commercial relations through business networking, direct engagement with exporters and exploration of new markets.

Potential areas of commercial engagement include food and agricultural products, manufactured goods, textiles and other export-oriented industries, although specific agreements involving the delegation were not detailed in the opening information.

The presence of the Pakistani delegation also reinforces TEI’s role in bringing together businesses from different regions to identify suppliers, buyers and prospective investment partners.