Indonesia and Chile Strengthen Trade Cooperation
The Indonesian government, via the Indonesian Embassy in Santiago and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Santiago, continues its efforts to strengthen Indonesia-Chile trade relations. This initiative was recently undertaken through a ‘Breakfast Meeting: Encuentro con el Mundo’ held with members of the PROhumana business community in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday.
Speaking from Jakarta, the Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, Fajarini Puntodeywi, highlighted Chile as a strategic trading partner in Latin America. She noted that the global market trend towards sustainability presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to boost exports of flagship products. Indonesia is actively promoting potential products that align with Chilean market trends, including natural-material furniture and home decor, specialty coffee, coconut-based products, processed fishery products, and eco-friendly packaging.
Puntodewi also referenced the existing Indonesia-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). She expressed hope that expanding the scope of the CEPA to include the services sector and developing investment cooperation will further strengthen the economic ties between the two nations. Through the implementation of the CEPA and enhanced trade promotion, Indonesia aims to drive expanded market access for value-added and sustainable products in Chile.
Trade relations between Indonesia and Chile have shown a positive trend following the implementation of the CEPA on 10 August 2019. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached USD 535.51 million, marking a 12.40 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Indonesia is becoming increasingly competitive in the Chilean market, particularly in automotive products, fertilisers, and footwear.
During the meeting, Indonesia invited Chilean businesses to utilise trade forums such as Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, scheduled for October, as a platform to expand business networks and explore long-term partnerships. The meeting was attended by 22 professionals from various sectors, including telecommunications, mining, retail, import-export, financial services, technology, and law firms. Their presence is expected to open new collaborative opportunities and expand Indonesia’s business network in Latin America.
In addition to promoting the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia, the forum was used to promote Indonesia’s 2026 economic diplomacy agenda, including participation in the Espacio Food & Service 2026 exhibition in Santiago and the Indonesia–Latin America and the Caribbean Business Forum (INALAC) 2026, scheduled for 2 October 2026.
Under the theme ‘From Indonesia to Latin America: Food Security as the Basis for Sustainable Human Development’, the Breakfast Meeting served as a strategic platform for promoting sustainable economic and trade cooperation. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Chile, Vedi Kurnia Buana, emphasised that food security is a global issue involving access, affordability, nutrition, logistics, technology, and economic stability. He noted that pressures from climate change, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions necessitate closer international cooperation. ‘Indonesia and Chile share the same interest in ensuring economic growth provides real benefits to society. Therefore, cooperation in trade, investment, food technology, and innovation is vital to building resilient and sustainable food systems,’ stated Ambassador Vedi.
Soledad Teixidó, Founder and Executive President of PROhumana, welcomed the initiative and the invitation to participate in INALAC and TEI 2026. PROhumana also expressed its support for strengthening business relations oriented towards sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects, encouraging its members to participate in Indonesian trade activities.