Thai-Indonesian Business Forum Unveils 4 Economic Strategies Targeting $23B Trade
The Thai Prime Minister visits Indonesia to propose a strategic partnership, setting a $23 billion trade target and outlining four key economic collaboration pillars.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Thailand and Indonesia elevate ties from traditional traders to co-builders
- Bilateral trade target set to reach $23 billion USD
- Four core strategies span halal food, logistics, digital finance, and green energy
- Indonesian private sector welcomes the historic visit, the first in 15 years
The Prime Minister of Thailand traveled to Indonesia to launch a joint business forum, aiming to translate government and private sector visions into tangible projects. Acknowledging the vital support of Kadin Indonesia and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, the premier emphasized that both nations must bridge the gap between mainland production hubs and maritime island economies, utilizing Thailand as a manufacturing base and Indonesia as a massive market and maritime gateway.
Following discussions with President Prabowo Subyanto, both leaders agreed that deeper ASEAN economic integration is an absolute necessity rather than an option amidst ongoing global economic volatility.
Current bilateral trade stands at nearly $20 billion USD, supported by a combined population of over 350 million people, demonstrating immense market potential for future growth. Future collaboration must extend beyond simple trade exchange into joint investments, technological advancement, and regional value creation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Prime Minister outlined four key pillars of cooperation during the forum:
- Food Security and Halal Industry: Developing a complete halal value chain and elevating certification standards to expand global market reach.
- Logistics, Transport, and Digital Connectivity: Lowering trade costs, improving infrastructure, and supporting new flight routes such as Bangkok-Jakarta and Phuket-Bali.
- Finance and Digital Economy: Expanding Thai banking operations in Indonesia, linking PromptPay-QRIS payment systems, and driving the ASEAN digital economy.
- Energy and Green Economy: Collaborating on clean energy to support future industries including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and data centers.
“May this forum mark the beginning of new opportunities that turn vision into real investment and tangible cooperation.”
Prime Minister of Thailand
This diplomatic visit marks a critical milestone as Indonesia remains ASEAN's largest economy and most populous nation. Integrating cross-border digital payment systems like PromptPay and QRIS, alongside fostering supply chains in next-generation sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and data centers, significantly strengthens ASEAN's competitive edge and geopolitical resilience.
Representatives from the Indonesian private sector expressed gratitude for the visit—the first by a Thai leader in 15 years—and voiced strong confidence in multi-level partnerships. They highlighted mutual strengths in halal industries, digital connectivity, and food security, noting that strategic alignment will empower local SMEs and expand economic influence beyond the ASEAN region.
Source: Matichon Politics
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