Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 Facilitates Global Business Expansion

From October 25 to 29, 2023, Jakarta was the epicenter of the halal industry as it hosted the largest international trade exhibition and conference in Indonesia: Halal Expo Indonesia 2023. Held at the prestigious Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), this event was a showcase of the halal sector and a significant platform for business matchmaking and international market entry.

A Platform for Global Networking

Spanning 3,500 square meters in Hall A, Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 featured approximately 120 booths from both Indonesian and international businesses. This expansive event brought together industry leaders and entrepreneurs from across the globe, including countries such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Belarus, China, India, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the USA, Jordan, Japan, Turkey, and Palestine. The diverse participation underscored the expo’s role as a crucial hub for global halal business expansion.

Key Participants and Their Objectives

Among the notable participants was PT Abie Isma Altra, an import company from Saudi Arabia, specializing in natural fruit-based beverages under the Caesar Jus brand. Husain Abie Isma, the Chairman of PT Abie Isma Altra, highlighted their aim to establish partnerships with Indonesian distributors. During the Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 business matching sessions, he mentioned that at least two parties had shown interest in becoming Caesar Jus distributors in cities like Surabaya and Makassar. The company also streamlined the payment process for potential distributors, offering flexible terms to encourage partnerships.

Another prominent exhibitor was Light Art VR, an American company specializing in Islamic virtual reality experiences. Co-founder Faheem Aref was present at Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 to seek partners or franchisees in Indonesia. Light Art VR is known for creating 8 K-resolution content about Islamic heritage, allowing users to experience sacred Islamic sites and historical events through virtual reality. Their innovative approach provides Muslims with immersive experiences of significant Islamic events and locations. During the expo, Light Art VR offered a promotional package for setting up VR kiosks, which included equipment and a unique business model with a 25% royalty fee on ticket sales.

Export Opportunities and Business Matching

The expo was not only about showcasing products but also about facilitating meaningful business connections. Export Aggregator companies like Usindo Exim Consultant LLC from the United States played a pivotal role. Usindo Exim aimed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia in entering international markets. They offered a joint export program for fashion and craft products, providing SMEs with an opportunity to display their products at exhibitions in the USA. This program included logistics support, with shipping costs kept low and no minimum or maximum limits for product participation.

Usindo Exim’s marketing representative, Ihza, explained that their goal was to gather and transport SME products to the United States for display at prominent exhibitions such as the Indonesian Muslim Society in America (IMSA) and the Malaysian Islamic Study Group (MISG) exhibitions in Austin, Texas, from December 23 to 27, 2023. The program aimed to support SMEs by providing a platform for their products to reach a broader audience while managing the logistical challenges of international export.

Success Stories and Business Agreements

Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 catalyzed numerous business agreements and collaborations. For example, Gita from PT Asa Pratama Kreasindo, with their Ainaras brand, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the expo. Ainaras offers a range of Muslim and Muslimah fashion products, including prayer mats, robes, pieces (prayer caps), knitted items, hijabs, and travel prayer rugs. Gita highlighted that the expo facilitated connections with international buyers, leading to new business agreements with Malaysia and ongoing discussions with other countries.

Similarly, PT Ganesha Abadi Tama, a producer of kitchen seasonings and spices based in Jatisampurna, Bekasi, found the expo to be a valuable opportunity for exploring export potential. Their marketing representative, Hendra Kurniawan, noted that they had established serious collaborations with buyers from Libya, the Philippines, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia during the business matching sessions. This participation marked a significant step for PT Ganesha Abadi Tama, which had previously not engaged in international exports.

Support for SMEs and Future Prospects

The support provided by Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 extended beyond just business matching and networking. The event featured booths from various organizations dedicated to helping SMEs thrive in the global market. One such organization was the Halal Production House Together (Rumah Produksi Halal Bersama), which showcased successful SME products like Kaldu Kokot and Rasanesia Crispy Cassava. These products have found success in markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Jeddah, demonstrating the potential for Indonesian SMEs to compete internationally.

Norman, the Halal Ecosystem Head from UMKM Halal Hub by Goorita, emphasized the continued mentoring and support provided to SMEs. His organization focuses on ensuring the sustainability of SMEs in the domestic market while also facilitating their expansion into international markets. This support is crucial for helping Indonesian entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of global business and enhance their competitiveness on the world stage.

Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 has proven to be a monumental event in the halal industry, offering invaluable opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and establish international connections. The diverse range of participants, innovative products, and supportive export programs highlighted the expo’s role in fostering global business growth. By facilitating business matching, offering export assistance, and showcasing successful SME products, Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 has set a high standard for future halal industry events and continues to support entrepreneurs in achieving global success.