Published: 12:49 AM, 10 July 2026
Bangladesh, Indonesia eye stronger economic relations
The Embassy of Indonesia in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Indonesia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), facilitated the participation of Bangladeshi businesses in the D-8 Halal Expo 2026 in Jakarta as the two countries eye strengthening economic relations. A total of 22 companies and institutions from Bangladesh, with a delegation of approximately 40 business representatives, are taking part in the five-day expo beginning on Wednesday, said the Indonesian Embassy on Thursday, UNB reports. The D-8 Halal Expo 2026 is one of the flagship programmes organised under Indonesia's Chairmanship, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, promoting the halal industry, and fostering greater trade and investment among D-8 member countries. Their participation reflects the strong interest of the Bangladeshi private sector in expanding business networks and exploring cooperation opportunities with Indonesian partners and other D-8 member countries, it said.
IBCCI also facilitated the establishment of the Bangladesh Pavilion, showcasing products from Bangladeshi companies and SMEs supported by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh.
The pavilion serves as a strategic platform to promote Bangladesh's export potential while strengthening bilateral trade relations between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The opening and inauguration of the Bangladesh Pavilion were attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh Listyowati, and IBCCI President Mohammed Riyadh Ali.
During the expo, Ambassador Listyowati also met with Bangladeshi exhibitors and business representatives to facilitate business matchmaking and explore further opportunities for trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The IBCCI booth was also visited by Indonesia Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta.
Several leading Bangladeshi companies also participated as exhibitors, including Meghna Group of Industries, PRAN-RFL Group, Akij Food & Beverages, and ILLYEEN.
Their participation demonstrated the commitment of Bangladesh's private sector to expanding regional business partnerships, particularly in the halal industry, food and beverages, fashion, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors.
The participation of the Bangladeshi delegation in the D-8 Halal Expo 2026 is expected to generate concrete business opportunities, enhance bilateral trade, and strengthen business connectivity between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Pavilion also reflected strong collaboration between the government of Bangladesh and the private sector in promoting the country's flagship products to the international market while creating new opportunities for partnerships with Indonesian and other D-8 business communities.
Indonesia currently serves as the Chair of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, while Bangladesh is one of its member states.
The successful participation of the Bangladeshi delegation at the D-8 Halal Expo 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for increasing bilateral trade, expanding business networks, and further reinforcing the mutually beneficial and sustainable economic partnership between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
