Photo : Collected

DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) – Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati today said there is significant potential for expanding bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Indonesia beyond traditional sectors, particularly in halal products and services.

“The two countries could substantially enhance trade in a wide range of halal sectors, including processed foods, fashion products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, healthcare services, digital technologies and other emerging industries,” she said.

The envoy made the remarks at a meeting between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and a high-level Indonesian business delegation held at Motijheel in the capital, said a press release.

Highlighting the upcoming “D-8 Halal Expo 2026,” scheduled to be held in Jakarta from July 8 to 12, Listyowati  urged Bangladeshi businesses to participate in the exhibition with their products. 

She expressed hope that a high-level Bangladeshi business delegation would attend the event and assured that the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka would provide all necessary support.

Listyowati noted that halal products extend far beyond halal meat and food, encompassing clothing, cosmetics, medicines, healthcare, medical equipment, halal finance and tourism.

She described the D-8 Halal Expo as more than a conventional trade exhibition, saying it would serve as a unique platform for strengthening the halal ecosystem among D-8 member countries while promoting trade, investment and business partnerships across multiple sectors.

At the meeting, Director General of Indonesia’s National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS), Putu Rahwidhiyasa, presented a report on the D-8 Halal Expo 2026. 

He said Indonesia is not only focused on exporting halal products but is also working to develop a comprehensive halal value chain.

Rahwidhiyasa expressed optimism that Bangladesh and Indonesia could further expand bilateral trade by leveraging opportunities within the halal value chain.

According to the report, Indonesia ranked among the top 10 exporters in intra-OIC trade in 2022, trailing only Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among OIC member countries. 

Indonesia currently ranks sixth globally in the Halal Economy Trade and Investment Index. 

The country holds the fourth position in the halal food sector and sixth place in fashion and apparel, demonstrating the strength and diversity of its halal market.

The report also noted that halal food remains the largest contributor to the global halal economy.

 Consumer spending on halal food in OIC countries reached approximately US$1.24 trillion in 2023, with an estimated annual growth rate of 6.2 percent. 

Spending on halal clothing, the second-largest segment, stood at US$277.9 billion, with an annual growth rate projected at 6.8 percent.

President of the Indonesia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) and former FBCCI director Mohammad Riyad Ali said the D-8 Halal Expo would provide an important opportunity to observe how D-8 countries incorporate halal practices into daily life and commerce. 

He added that Bangladesh could also learn from their experiences in improving halal certification systems.

Earlier, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, in his welcome remarks, said Bangladesh and Indonesia enjoy strong trade relations, although Bangladesh still faces a trade imbalance. 

He expressed the view that participation in large international platforms such as the D-8 Halal Expo would help diversify bilateral trade and unlock new opportunities in the halal economy.

He also assured the Indonesian delegation that FBCCI would work sincerely to facilitate the participation of a Bangladeshi business delegation in the D-8 Halal Expo 2026.

Among others present at the meeting were former FBCCI directors and business leaders Abdul Haque, Gias Uddin Chowdhury (Khokon) and Md. Abul Hashem, along with representatives from various chambers and associations, members of the FBCCI General Council, and officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, industries and livestock, as well as representatives from BSTI, BIDA, EPB and the Islamic Foundation.