InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Indonesia is stepping up efforts to expand exports of palm oil and other strategic commodities to Belarus as both countries seek to deepen economic cooperation and unlock broader access to the Eurasian market.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the Indonesia–Belarus Business Forum and Business Matching, held in Jakarta, where government officials and business leaders explored new opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.
Organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI), the forum served as a platform for strengthening business-to-business partnerships while promoting Indonesia's leading export commodities, including palm oil and its downstream products.
In an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (July 4), Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia remains committed to increasing exports of high-value products to Belarus, ranging from electronics, fisheries products, rubber, and cocoa to value-added palm oil products, which continue to show promising market potential.
According to Airlangga, the forum represents an important step in translating longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic partnerships capable of generating mutual benefits for both countries.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Belarus reached approximately US$221.3 million in 2025, marking a 30% increase compared with the previous year. The positive performance is expected to provide a solid foundation for expanding trade and investment cooperation in the years ahead.
Economic ties have also gained momentum following the planned state visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Indonesia on July 1–2, 2026. The visit is expected to accelerate the implementation of several strategic agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich noted that cooperation between the two countries has continued to advance following meetings between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and President Lukashenko. He also announced that Belarus has completed the ratification of the Indonesia–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA).
Karankevich believes the agreement will provide a stronger legal framework for expanding trade and investment flows while creating new business opportunities across multiple sectors.
He also expressed support for establishing an Indonesia–Belarus Business Council, which would facilitate closer communication between businesses from both countries and help accelerate commercial cooperation.
KADIN Indonesia's Coordinating Vice Chairman for International Affairs, James T. Riady, emphasized that sustainable business partnerships will be instrumental in attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving long-term economic growth.
Meanwhile, BelCCI Chairman Mikhail Miatlikov highlighted the complementary nature of both economies, noting significant potential for cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and international trade.
Indonesia expects the implementation of the I-EAEU FTA to significantly improve market access for national export products—including palm oil and its derivatives—to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a regional market comprising around 180 million consumers with a combined gross domestic product of approximately US$2.56 trillion.
Beyond expanding export opportunities, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 8th Indonesia–Belarus Joint Commission Meeting on trade, economic affairs, and technical cooperation, reinforcing a shared vision of stronger bilateral economic relations built on investment, industrial development, and sustainable growth. (T2)
