Efforts to Help SMEs Penetrate Export Markets through Reciprocal Access
There is a significant opportunity for local business actors to penetrate the Thai market. Therefore, it is important to facilitate market research and understand consumer trends in Thailand.
According to Muthia Sakti, head of the community service team from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ), the main focus is on the importance of quality standardisation, packaging that is adaptive to international tastes, and compliance with export-import legal regulations.
This was conveyed at the culminating community service event in Depok on Friday, 21 August 2026. The activity was specifically designed to enhance the economic competitiveness of the community at the international level, particularly through strategic collaboration with Walailak University, Thailand.
Muhammad Fauzan added that the synergy with Walailak University serves as a tangible bridge to facilitate market research and understand consumer trends in Thailand. This reciprocal trade route is expected to create high bargaining value for local Depok products on a mutual basis.
The discussion session was interactive when a representative of Karang Taruna, Irwan Nurwanto, asked about product specifications in demand in the Thai market. The presenters explained that dry foods and daily utility products have very open opportunities.
The UPNVJ team affirmed its commitment to hybrid mentoring, starting from basic stages such as obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB) and trademark registration, through to products ready to meet export standards. Regarding concerns about halal certification costs, the team provided a concrete solution through the Free Halal Certification (Sehati) scheme from BPJPH.
“Business actors are encouraged to proactively utilise mentoring quotas from the central government as well as local Halal Inspection Bodies (LPH),” Muthia added. Through this programme, UPNVJ hopes that small and medium enterprises in Depok City will not only have strong legal protection domestically, but also full readiness to expand their businesses onto the international stage, particularly the Thai market.