Ministry of Trade Targets CAEXPO 2026 to Boost Indonesian Exports to China
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade is driving increased exports to China, partly through Indonesia’s participation in The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026, scheduled to take place from 17-21 September 2026 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nanning, China.
Fajarini Puntodewi, Director-General of the Ministry of Trade’s National Export Development (PEN) division, stated that CAEXPO 2026 provides an opportunity for Indonesian business operators to showcase diverse premium Indonesian products whilst strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and industry between Indonesia and China.
“China is Indonesia’s primary trading partner with a large and growing market. The recovery of the manufacturing sector and China’s domestic consumption growth policies have expanded opportunities for Indonesia’s tropical agricultural products, processed food and beverages, fisheries, and value-added commodities to enter the Chinese market,” she said in an official statement on Saturday (14 March).
China represents Indonesia’s leading trading partner, with exports reaching US$67.03 billion in 2025, of which 96.6 per cent comprised non-oil and gas sector exports. Between 2021 and 2025, Indonesia’s export trend to China experienced positive average growth of 4.01 per cent.
Furthermore, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China have reached 75 years, whilst Indonesia’s membership in BRICS has created additional opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
Puntodewi also highlighted the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) utilisation in the trade sector, projected to enhance supply chain efficiency and expand technology-based trade integration.
“China is also accelerating the development of its AI ecosystem, including strengthening Nanning’s role as a hub for China-ASEAN collaboration. The China-ASEAN AI Innovation Centre serves as a gateway for physical trade, computing centres, and data management capabilities that can support digital transformation in the region,” she added.
The Ministry of Trade continues driving export growth through the “From Local to Global” programme. Puntodewi invited business operators to take advantage of business pitching presentations alongside the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Beijing and Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Shanghai, as well as business matching activities to explore cooperation opportunities with potential buyers from China.
At CAEXPO 2025, 1,910 companies from various ASEAN and Chinese countries participated in the expo. Recorded transactions reached US$132.07 million (approximately Rp2.179 trillion), whilst producing nine memoranda of understanding for cooperation with Chinese partners in sectors including trade, investment, education, halal certification, and technology.
“These achievements demonstrate CAEXPO as one of the most effective trade promotion platforms for opening market opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation between Indonesia, China, and the ASEAN region,” stated Miftah.
At the forthcoming CAEXPO 2026, Indonesia will occupy Hall D5 with a pavilion spanning 2,000 m² and will feature three main pavilions representing economic strength, regional potential, and national innovation.
Indonesia’s participation at CAEXPO 2026 is also supplemented by supporting activities including business matching, business forums, investment promotion, and exploration of trade and industry cooperation with partners from China and ASEAN nations.
Andi Anzhar Cakra Wijaya, Vice-Chairman of the Multilateral Diplomacy Division of Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), emphasised that strict curation processes are important to ensure that showcased products meet quality standards and possess adequate supply capability to compete in the global market.
“This year Kadin and the Ministry of Trade are attempting to bring micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in CAEXPO. Rigorous and careful curation is necessary to maximise this effort,” said Andi.
This forum can be utilised to strengthen investment promotion and follow up on various economic cooperation opportunities.
“This forum can be used to dialogue on policy with the Chinese government, promote investment, explore more concrete cooperation, and follow up on previously signed memoranda of understanding,” said Guspiabri.