Finance Minister: D-8 Strengthens Reciprocal Economic Collaboration Between Indonesia and Partner Countries

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa believes that Indonesia’s participation in the D-8 (Developing Eight) organisation strengthens reciprocal economic collaboration between Indonesia and all its partner countries within the group. “This platform is excellent for strengthening cooperation among Muslim countries and mutually promoting Indonesian halal products with partner countries,” Purbaya said after reviewing the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) 2026 exhibition in Jakarta on Wednesday. The minister assessed that the D-8 HEI 2026 agenda is an initial step in a joint effort by the D-8 to strengthen cooperation in developing the sharia economy and halal industry, both within each member country and globally. He highlighted that one product with potential for development in the halal industry among D-8 countries is halal gelatin, intended to replace gelatin whose ingredients often come from non-halal sources. Economic cooperation at the D-8 level should also be strengthened by increasing investment between member countries, he said, while expressing Indonesia’s readiness to explore investment opportunities. “We will continue to enhance cooperation with the D-8, including inviting their investors and sending our investors there,” Purbaya stated. Previously, Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Anis Matta revealed that D-8 countries have set an internal trade target of USD 500 billion by 2030. To achieve this goal, Indonesia continues to boost trade with fellow members through various instruments, focusing on a more complementary approach for each member’s economy. The D-8 HEI 2026 exhibition is being held at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium from 8 to 12 July 2026, featuring trade exhibitions from D-8 member countries and partner nations, business matching facilitation, panel discussions, and cultural performances.