Indonesia showcased its economic prowess at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) recently held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from September 24 to 28, 2024.
The Indonesian delegation, led by the Ministry of Trade, secured an impressive Rp479 billion (US$31 million) in potential transactions, further highlighting the country’s growing influence in international markets.
The most sought-after Indonesian products at the event included palm oil, coconuts, cloves, coffee, tropical fruits, handicrafts, instant noodles, and processed foods.
“We are proud of the transactions made. This success demonstrates the enormous potential of Indonesian products. We hope the results of this expo will drive export growth and enhance the competitiveness of our local products in international markets, especially in China,” Mardyana Listyowati, Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, said on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Indonesia’s presence was prominent across three major pavilions: the Commodity Hall (D4), City of Charm Hall (B2), and the ASEAN High Tech Pavilion. In the Commodity Hall, the Indonesian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), state-owned enterprises like Pertamina (bringing 13 small and medium enterprises or SMEs), EXIM Bank, and national companies like Astra, Maspion, and Batik Danar Hadi. The pavilion featured over 70 SMEs supported by state-owned enterprises and private companies.
At the City of Charm Pavilion, the Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) played a key role in promoting the potential of palm oil and its derivative products.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN High Tech Pavilion showcased Wuling Indonesia’s electric cars, reinforcing Indonesia’s image as an investment-friendly country contributing to the global supply chain.
Beyond opening new collaboration opportunities, CAEXPO 2024 also brought prestigious awards to Indonesia. The country won seven awards, including Best Trade and Economic Outcomes, Best National Pavilion, Best Promotion on Investment Cooperation, and the CAEXPO Silver Award for PT Surabaya Indah Permai. These achievements solidified Indonesia’s standing in the Chinese and ASEAN markets.
“CAEXPO 2024 not only opened new collaboration opportunities but also provided Indonesian businesses the chance to engage with China’s vast market. With such encouraging results, Indonesia is increasingly optimistic about strengthening its international market position,” Mardyana said.
In addition to the expo, the Indonesian delegation participated in various international forums, such as the Dialogue on China’s Green Value Chain and the China-Indonesia Trade and Investment Conference organized by BKPM. These forums further strengthened trade and investment partnerships.
One standout event was the “Clean Palm Oil Dialogue,” held at the City of Charm Pavilion in collaboration between BPDPKS and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI).
This event aimed to highlight the sustainability and potential of Indonesia’s palm oil industry, emphasizing innovation to meet global sustainability standards.
Aida Fitria, Head of the Civil Society and Community Division at BPDPKS, noted that China remains a significant market for Indonesian palm oil, with rising demand for sustainable products offering considerable opportunities.
Miftah Farid, Director of Primary Product Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, added that Indonesia’s participation in CAEXPO 2024, along with involvement in international forums, provided a strategic and effective platform for promoting Indonesian products and investments.
With various achievements and recorded transactions, Indonesia is optimistic about increasing exports and strengthening the competitiveness of local products in global markets, particularly in China.
