Vietnam eyes stronger links with Indonesian firms to tap market potential
A business networking forum aimed at strengthening cooperation between Vietnamese and Indonesian enterprises in food, beverages, and the high-potential Halal market was held in Jakarta on November 13, on the sidelines of SIAL InterFOOD 2025.
Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Ho Thi Quyen and Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Indonesia Pham The Cuong highlighted Indonesia’s market potential. With nearly 300 million people, most of whom are Muslims, Indonesia is a promising market for Vietnamese farm produce, processed food, and Halal-certified products.
Direct business-matching activities will help Vietnamese firms expand their presence, strengthen brand promotion, and better connect with Indonesia’s distribution systems, they said.
Damayan Siahaan from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) noted that although Vietnam and Indonesia share similar products and natural resources, these similarities can form a foundation for complementary cooperation rather than competition. She added that if the two countries enhance connectivity and pursue joint exports to third markets, bilateral trade, currently around US$16 billion could rise significantly.
On a regional scale, Indonesia’s new Ambassador to Vietnam Adam Tugio stressed that ASEAN’s population of nearly 700 million constitute a vast market where both countries can advance together.
He suggested that Vietnamese enterprises could leverage Indonesia as a strategic hub for regional expansion, while Indonesian companies could come to Vietnam to learn production practices and explore investment partnerships, opening up new avenues for economic collaboration.
During the forum, businesses from both countries engaged in direct exchanges, showcased their products, and sought distribution partners. Vietnamese products such as instant pho, coffee, chocolate, and high-tech dried fruits attracted strong interest from Indonesian enterprises, signalling prospects for deeper and more sustainable cooperation in the future.
Vietnamese firms showcase products at SIAL Interfood 2025 in Indonesia
A total of 23 Vietnamese companies are attending the SIAL Interfood 2025 International Food and Beverage Exhibition which officially opened on November 12 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
