Indonesia targets expanded export market penetration in China through CAEXPO-CABIS
Jakarta — The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), is targeting expanded export market penetration in China during the kick-off of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) 2026.
“China remains our principal trading partner. Through the 23rd CAEXPO, we want to ensure that value-added products created by our nation’s workers not only have a presence, but are capable of dominating the regional market,” said Trade Minister Budi Santoso in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
The kick-off marks Indonesia’s readiness to showcase itself once again at the largest trade exhibition between China and ASEAN, scheduled to take place from 17-21 September 2026 at the Nanning International and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Guangxi, China.
The Trade Minister noted that CAEXPO, which last year involved 3,260 companies from 60 countries, is not merely a routine trade fair, but rather a strategic bridge for strengthening the position of Indonesian products in global markets, particularly China.
In 2025, Indonesia-China bilateral trade value continued to demonstrate strong dominance, reaching over 130 billion US dollars. Commodities such as iron and steel, coal, and palm oil (CPO) remain primary pillars; however, the government is encouraging diversification towards manufactured products and processed food items.
“The government is fully committed to supporting business actors to capitalise on this golden opportunity to improve our trade balance,” said Trade Minister Budi.
Through CAEXPO’s 23rd edition, the Ministry of Trade wishes to ensure that value-added products from Indonesian entrepreneurs not only present themselves, but are capable of dominating the regional market.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Export Development at Kemendag, Fajarini Puntodewi, outlined optimism based on strong performance in the previous year.
Last year, the Indonesian delegation present at the Indonesian Pavilion (Hall D), City of Charm, and the AI Pavilion achieved remarkable success with a 400 percent increase compared to 2024. Beyond direct transactions at the international event that attracted 226,000 visitors, the Indonesian delegation also secured a number of investment agreements totalling Rp2.18 trillion.
The Indonesian delegation presented more than 100 business actors who successfully penetrated international buyer networks.
“Seeing the significant achievements of 2025, we are confident that the potential in 2026 is considerably greater. We will be more selective in curating products that have high demand in China, ranging from processed food products, furniture, to other strategic commodities,” said Fajarini.
In 2026, Indonesia is expected to serve as a principal strategic partner with a focus on flagship products and value-added industries, investment promotion and industrial zones, strengthening Indonesia’s position in regional supply chains, as well as technology and artificial intelligence collaboration.